Sweden’s chances were already microscopic after the home loss against Austria in September.
But on Monday evening, Austria could kill Sweden’s EC hopes when they faced Azerbaijan away from home.
Azerbaijan held out for a long time and despite Austrian pressure the score was 0-0 at the break.
But immediately after halftime, the away team Austria received a penalty after a handball situation. Substitute Marcel Sabitzer put in an ice-cold 1–0.
In added time, Azerbaijan had a good chance to equalise, an opportunity that defender Toral Bayramov burned. The victory means that Ralf Rangnick and Austria are ready for the championship in Germany next summer.
Janne Andersson leaves his position
It has already been clear that national team captain Janne Andersson will leave his position as national team captain if Blågult misses the EC.
– The only thing that was in my head was that we are going to the European Championship, but after the loss against Austria there were questions about my future and therefore we already want to be clear about what applies, Andersson said on the association’s website after the loss against Austria.
Janne Andersson, who has been the national captain of the Swedish men’s national football team since 2016, can leave as early as November, even though he has a contract until next summer.