At 7 a.m. Swedish time, Sweden’s WC starts at Wellington Regional Stadium. And in an otherwise expected Swedish starting eleven, one name stands out.
Zecira Musovic, 27, has had to settle for a place on the bench in three consecutive senior championships. Tonight, the Chelsea goalkeeper plays her first championship game, when she is given the trust between the posts in front of Häcken’s Jennifer Falk.
Otherwise, it can be noted that what is expected will be seasoned Elin Rubensson, who replaces regular team captain Caroline Seger in the inner midfield. Seger comes to the WC with a difficult injury background, should be ready to play now but may still start the premiere on the bench.
Versatile Nathalie Björn takes care of the place on the right in the defense while Amanda Ilestedt forms a center back pair with Magdalena Eriksson. Further up on the right wing, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd starts the Swedish attack.
Sweden’s starting eleven: Zecira Musovic – Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson – Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Elin Rubensson – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Stina Blackstenius, Fridolina Rolfö.
Other troupe: Jennifer Falk (mv), Tove Enblom (mv), Anna Sandberg, Linda Sembrant, Stina Lennartsson, Hanna Bennison, Rebecka Blomqvist, Lina Hurtig, Sofia Jakobsson, Madelen Janogy, Olivia Schough, Caroline Seger.