Sweden are functional, harmonious with no-frills on and off the pitch – it could take them far

New York Times

a day ago

The odd thing about Sweden's 4-1 victory over Germany in Zurich was that they did not even really need to play that well. Passes went astray, shooting opportunities were wasted and their much-changed defence looked overwhelmed in the first 10 minutes.
But, almost accidentally, Sweden ended up becoming the first team in the history of the Women's European Championship to put four goals past Germany, in a win that was so comfortable that player of the match Johanna Rytting Kaneryd forgot the scoreline in her post-match press conference. 'It's not every day that against Germany you win with… was it 4-1?'
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It was a performance that was not spectacular, but rather simple, functional and harmonious.
And that is what Sweden are all about, on and off the pitch.
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When the 16 nations for a European Championship are finalised, UEFA releases a list of recommended hotels that meet the specifications needed for a travelling group of 23 players (and, these days, almost as many other members of staff).
But Sweden, uniquely amongst the 16 sides in Switzerland, ignored the list and went off-menu. It was not because they wanted something more luxurious. It was because they wanted something more modest. Whereas many other sides are staying in breathtakingly beautiful lakeside palaces, Sweden are staying in a fitness centre called On Your Marks with basic accommodation that brings to mind a student halls of residence. Some players are very much envious of other nations' superior hotels.
Equally, the players know that this is what Sweden are all about. And they have become accustomed to this sort of thing at tournaments; for the Women's World Cup two years ago, they based themselves at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport. The surroundings, it is felt, foster squad harmony. Players are less likely to retire to their rooms, and more likely to bond. The top-class fitness facilities on offer, of course, are the main attraction, and management think it is important players can walk from their lodgings to the training pitch, rather than get on a bus.
But it is really about togetherness, which should not be underestimated in comparison with other sides at Euro 2025. Almost all the other true contenders for this tournament have at least flirted with problems in their camp. England suffered from two major withdrawals on the eve of the tournament. There are lingering issues between Spain's players and the federation. Germany have endured so many international retirements over the past two years that you wonder if there is a wider cause. France controversially left out their symbol of the past decade, Wendie Renard. And the Dutch never seem far away from internal bickering.
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It would be a genuine shock if there were any problems whatsoever with Sweden. This side features several excellent players but lacks a clear standout. It was somehow fitting that the wrong player of the match was announced after this win over Germany: one moment it was midfielder Filippa Angeldahl, before a correction was delivered. It was actually right-winger Rytting Kaneryd.
Those two have been particularly vocal about their on-pitch understanding being a consequence of playing together for so long. Angeldahl knows how to find Rytting Kaneryd. Rytting Kaneryd knows how to open up space for Angeldahl. Their flowing moves down the right have been the best feature of this side.
The understanding is obvious across the team. When Kosovare Asllani chipped up a cross to the near post for strike partner Stina Blackstenius to nod home against Poland — without looking up first — it is probably because they have been playing together since Euro 2017. Four of their first XI — Nathalie Bjorn, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Angeldahl and Blackstenius — were in the Sweden XI for the victorious U19 European Championship campaign a decade ago. A fifth from that 2015, Zecira Musovic, is absent here because of pregnancy.
Sweden can also count upon probably both the most visually striking and noisiest fanbase in the competition. Other travelling supports are impressive in numbers but it feels like they need an excuse to start making noise.
Sweden's are more organised, more raucous, more… football. That owes both to Swedish footballing culture — fan-owned clubs who pride themselves on atmospheres rather than quality of football — and the fact that Sweden was an early starter in terms of the women's game. These players have been household names for a decade.
'In all my time as national coach (eight years), I've never experienced the kind of support we had today,' said manager Peter Gerhardsson. 'We had a whole section that was yellow — with a bit of blue. It's like home advantage. That was a lovely feeling. And we know it's big back in Sweden, with the outdoor arenas and screens, and people gathering.'
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Sweden have been here before, of course. They are perennial beaten semi-finalists — the past two World Cups, the 2022 European Championship — and never quite manage to get over the line. They also suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in the final against Canada in the delayed 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. But it is really about them consistently overachieving rather than being bottlers. 'There's something different this year,' said Rytting Kaneryd after the game.
Sweden have topped a tough group with ease — and it feels like they can still get better.