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Nordic derby could await Sweden in World Cup: 'An extremely big match'
🇸🇪 Sweden /Sports

Nordic derby could await Sweden in World Cup: 'An extremely big match'

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Sweden has advanced to the Round of 16 in the Men's World Cup.
  • Potential opponents include powerhouse France or Nordic rival Norway.
  • Players express excitement and confidence regardless of the next opponent.

Sweden has secured its place in the Round of 16 at the Men's World Cup following a 1-1 draw against Japan. The team now faces the prospect of a high-stakes match against either tournament favorite France or their Nordic neighbors, Norway.

It's clear that it would be fun to have a Nordic derby.

— Carl StarfeltExpressing a desire to play against Norway.

Midfielder Carl Starfelt expressed a preference for a Nordic derby, stating, "It's clear that it would be fun to have a Nordic derby." He believes Sweden would have a better chance against Norway than against France, though he acknowledged the significance of facing either team. "Of course, it would be fun to have a Nordic derby here at a World Cup too," he added.

Star forward Alexander Isak, however, views a potential clash with France as a significant challenge he would embrace. "France is one of the favorites to win every World Cup. So, of course, it would be incredibly big and fun to have such a challenge," Isak said. He emphasized the need for confidence and positivity, noting that advancing requires overcoming tough opponents.

France is one of the favorites to win every World Cup. So, of course, it would be incredibly big and fun to have such a challenge.

— Alexander IsakDiscussing the possibility of facing France.

Regardless of the opponent, the Swedish players recognize the magnitude of the upcoming match. "Whoever we meet, it will be a top team. This is the World Cup," said Sweden's head coach Graham Potter. He added, "We will be the underdog, but that's fine for us, we will be ready and do our best."

If you get that challenge, I think you should take it with confidence and positivity. Of course, it's a tough match, but if you want to go far, you will need to get past tough opponents.

— Alexander IsakOn facing strong opponents in the World Cup.

The exact opponent will be determined by the outcomes of other group matches. The Round of 16 match is scheduled to take place in New Jersey. The team is preparing for a "tremendously big match" regardless of whether they face France or Norway.

Of course, it would be fun to have a Nordic derby here at a World Cup too.

— Carl StarfeltReflecting on the potential of a Nordic derby in the tournament.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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