While Sweden has danced its way through the group stage, the world number one USA has had a much tougher time.
The Americans were one goal away from going out already in the group, as Portugal came close to snatching their play-off spot in extra time. In the end, they finished two behind the Netherlands and now face Sweden.
– We are used to the USA, which has won two consecutive World Cup titles, coming with free stars. But this year they send 14 debutants and have not looked so good. That is why they are facing Sweden already now, says Olof Lundh to TV4.
But they have a result in recent years that stands out. In addition to the gold in 2019 and 2015, you have to look back all the way to 2011, the last time the USA lost a World Cup match in regular time. And it was against Sweden.
“She must step forward”
The countries have met in the championship six times. The US has won four.
But the last championship match was in the Olympics in Tokyo 2021. 3-0 to Sweden and the overrun was a fact.
Fridolina Rolfö, who plays from the start again, could be a key to history repeating itself, believes Olof Lundh.
– She has to step forward so that Sweden can send home the reigning world champions and that is what we hope for. It would have been wonderful, he says.
This is how Sweden starts:
Zecira Musovic;
Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson;
Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Elin Rubensson;
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Stina Blackstenius, Fridolina Rolfö