Tonight, at 20:45, the group final in the C division of the Nations League between Sweden and Slovakia kicks off in front of at least 35,000 spectators. The first meeting in Bratislava ended 2-2 after losing a Swedish 2-0 lead.
The national soccer teams are on ten points, with Sweden having a better goal difference – the winner tonight will thus secure the group victory with one round to go thanks to the advantage in head-to-head meetings.
– It’s just football. That we get to play this is amazing. You shouldn’t think about pressure, because there is no pressure. There are other people who experience pressure, who have a tough time in life. We’re just going out and doing what we love, says Dejan Kulusevski.
The star midfielder has been team captain in Victor Lindelöf’s injury absence. The centre-back stepped in for the last half-hour against Slovakia in October, but the captain’s armband stayed on Kulusevski’s arm, and Lindelöf then sat on the bench for the entire match against Estonia.
“New situation”
Since then, Lindelöf has received more playing time at Manchester United. Three short appearances in the Premier League and two starts in the Europa League league games where he got 90 minutes against Paok.
– Now I have played again and it is a new situation, says Lindelöf.
Sweden-Slovakia kicks off at 20.45 tonight and you can follow and chat about it in SVT Sports’ live report.