Sweden vs Poland: World Cup Playoff Final Preview
Graham Potter's Sweden faces Poland in a crucial World Cup qualifier, with the winner securing a spot in the tournament.
Sweden, led by Graham Potter, looks to overcome Poland and book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup...
Graham Potter thinks Sweden's World Cup play-off final is a great chance for them.
Sweden had a rough qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of Group B with four losses, but they've made it to the play-off final thanks to the UEFA system giving teams second chances. They sacked coach Jon Dahl Tomasson after a string of poor results, including draws against Kosovo and Slovenia.
“It just feels like an amazing opportunity. We have the opportunity because what the team did in the Nations League. So we are where we are, and now we've got one game to play to get to the World Cup, which is a dream,” Graham Potter, who took over after Tomasson, told a media conference on Monday.
“We've seen it as a positive opportunity, and we're looking forward to it.”
Sweden's recent qualifiers under Potter didn't go as planned - they lost 4-1 to Switzerland and drew with Slovenia at home. But, they snatched a lifeline through their Nations League Group C1 win, which put them in the European playoffs.
The playoffs include 12 World Cup qualifying group runners-up and four Nations League group winners who didn't make the top two in their groups. Sweden's among those four lucky teams, thanks to their Nations League performance.
Sweden Sedge World Cup Return with 3-1 Playoff Win Over Ukraine
Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia, securing a spot in the World Cup playoff final against Poland. This victory marks a significant step towards their return to North America, where they previously finished third in the 1994 tournament.
“We're obviously very happy and pleased that we got this opportunity, even though the qualification games weren't as good as we hoped,” Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said.
✅ 🇸🇪 Sweden are given a 61% chance to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since 2018 in Russia!
— Football Rankings (@FootRankings) March 28, 2026
📈 🇵🇱 Poland are given a 39% chance to qualify for their third FIFA World Cup in a row! pic.twitter.com/8YqV36RuwV
“The Nations League and the results we got there obviously gave us this opportunity ... obviously very pleased and happy to be in this situation.”
Lindelof expects a warmer welcome at the sold-out Friends Arena on Tuesday, a far cry from the booing Sweden's fans gave them earlier in the campaign.
“It's always extra nice to have fans behind us, and a packed arena where they give us energy. It means a lot for me, but it will mean a lot to all the guys too,” Lindelof said.
“I think there are a lot of people who are looking forward to going out on the field tomorrow and experiencing it.”
No comments:
Leave comment here