New generation: Sweden tries to revive glorious past against France
Sweden takes the field this Tuesday afternoon (30) to face one of the biggest favorites for the 2026 World Cup: France. The challenge is great, but the new Swiss generation is trying to relive the glorious past that the country has experienced in the world of football.
Historically, the Swedes occupy a prominent place among Europeans in World Cups. The team was runner-up in 1958, when they played the competition at home, losing to the still young Pelé's Brazil.
In 1950 and 1994, Sweden finished the championship in 3rd place. In the first, the team was behind only Brazil and Uruguay, in the competition that was marked by the "Maracanazzo". On Monday, the Swedes faced the same villain from 58 in the semi-final, and lost once again to the Brazilians.
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However, in recent decades the Swedish team has seen its protagonism pass into the hands of other European powers.
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Now, the generation led by names like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres is trying to change the recent scenario. The Liverpool striker, appointed as the team's technical reference, symbolizes the renewal of a team that seeks to build its own identity after the retirement of great idols.
During recent times, the image of the Swedish national team has been linked to Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of the biggest names in football in the country. Despite his individual success, the center forward never achieved great things in the World Cup.
The road to the knockout stage
To reach the knockout stage, Sweden faced a group with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. The debut was a thrashing against the Tunisians, with a score of 5 to 1.
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1 of 5
Confrontation between Japan and Sweden, valid for the third round of the World Cup - Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
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2 out of 5
Japan players celebrating the goal scored against Sweden in the World Cup - Alex Slitz/Getty Images
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3 out of 5
Anthony Elanga, from Sweden, celebrating the goal scored against Japan, in a duel in the third round of the World Cup - Lars Baron/Getty Images
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4 out of 5
Match between Japan and Sweden, valid for the third round of the World Cup - Lars Baron/Getty Images
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5 out of 5
Zion Suzuki's defense in the clash between Japan and Sweden, for the World Cup - Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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However, in the next game, it was the Swedes' turn to concede many goals in a 5-1 defeat.
In the last game, which could place the team in second place in the group, Sweden faced Japan, in a game that ended in a 2-2 draw. The Swedes finished in 3rd place in the group.
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Source: CNN