Thousands of Swedes prepare for party in Monterrey: 'We slipped in on a silver platter'

Hundreds of Swedish football fans are creating a festive atmosphere in a Mexican beer garden on the outskirts of Monterrey, gearing up for Sweden's World Cup debut against Tunisia.

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One has to take the opportunity when Sweden has made it to the World Cup.

Supporters' group Gula Väggen has organized a pre-match gathering at Foro Urbano, a venue decorated with shipping containers, anticipating up to 3,000 Swedish fans will be present in Mexico for the tournament. Many fans express a preference for attending the opening match in Mexico over subsequent group games scheduled in the United States, citing the "current world situation."

Johan Bengtsson, who traveled with his 14-year-old daughter Amanda Nilsson, hopes for a 2-0 victory but acknowledges the team's current instability. "The foundation of the national team is gone. The backline, which was previously our strength, is no longer as stable," he stated. Despite these concerns, he views the trip as a bonus in life.

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It is a bonus in life to get to travel with one's daughter.

Joakim Nielsen from Eskilstuna plans to return home after the opener to celebrate Midsummer, emphasizing the critical nature of the first match. "If we lose it, the World Cup could die for us," he said, though he added, "We slipped into the World Cup on a silver platter. There's nothing to regret."

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I hope we win the first match. If we lose it, the World Cup could die for us.

Andreas Richt, a founder of Gula Väggen, remains optimistic, pointing to Sweden's expensive strike force of Gyökeres and Isak. He believes Sweden is favored against Tunisia, who had an undefeated qualifying campaign. Richt predicts a 2-1 win for Sweden and sees Japan as their toughest opponent, potentially beating the Netherlands.

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We slipped into the World Cup on a silver platter. There's nothing to regret.