Johan Esk: Sweden is a team again, and not everything in the USA is Donald Trump

The European Football Championship has offered a welcome glimpse of unity and shared identity, particularly for Sweden. Johan Esk, writing for Dagens Nyheter, observes that the tournament has showcased what is recognizable and likable, using the Swedish team as a prime example of a cohesive unit.

Esk notes that the success of the national team has rekindled a sense of collective pride among Swedes. This feeling of being a united nation, he suggests, has been somewhat absent in recent times. The shared experience of supporting the team has brought people together, creating a positive atmosphere that transcends individual differences.

In contrast to this unifying force in Sweden, Esk points to the United States, where he feels the political discourse is heavily dominated by Donald Trump. While acknowledging the country's own form of national identity, the author implies that it is currently overshadowed by a singular, polarizing figure. The piece suggests that the shared joy and unity found in sports offer a valuable counterpoint to divisive political environments.