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Swedes have nothing to lose against in-form France, says Larsson

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Sweden faces a tough challenge against a strong French team in the World Cup last 32.
  • Assistant coach Sebastian Larsson believes Sweden can cause an upset despite inconsistent recent results.
  • Larsson draws confidence from past Swedish victories against favored opponents.

Sweden enters the World Cup last 32 clash against France as clear underdogs, but assistant coach Sebastian Larsson remains optimistic about his team's chances of a giant-killing performance. The Swedish side has experienced a rollercoaster of results, finishing bottom of their qualifying group and only reaching the knockout stage via playoffs.

I don't think I need to say much about France. They have a couple of guys who are quite skilled. We will have our challenges, but we are looking forward to it in a fantastic way.

— Sebastian LarssonSweden's assistant coach discusses the upcoming World Cup match against France.

Their journey to this point included a decisive 5-1 victory over Tunisia, followed by an equally heavy defeat to the Netherlands, and a narrow 1-1 draw with Japan. Now, they face a formidable French team that has showcased impressive attacking talent, notably their 4-1 thrashing of Norway in their final group game, positioning them among the tournament favorites.

"I don't think I need to say much about France. They have a couple of guys who are quite skilled," Larsson commented. "We will have our challenges, but we are looking forward to it in a fantastic way." Larsson, who previously scored against France in a Euro 2012 match, brings valuable experience to the Swedish camp.

If you look back, we've managed to knock out bigger teams before, even if it's France this time. It gives me a certain amount of belief in things, definitely in me and hopefully in the players too.

— Sebastian LarssonLarsson expresses confidence in Sweden's ability to cause an upset against France.

Despite the daunting task, Larsson hopes his team can replicate past successes against higher-ranked opponents. "If you look back, we've managed to knock out bigger teams before, even if it's France this time. It gives me a certain amount of belief in things, definitely in me and hopefully in the players too," he stated. The team's focus will be on executing their game plan perfectly to counter the threat posed by France's star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

It'll be something to get our teeth into, but we're very much looking forward to the match.

— Sebastian LarssonLarsson anticipates the challenge of facing France's top players.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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