Sweden can secure promotion to the next World Cup preliminary round against Finland.
But then NBA star Lori Markanen must be stopped.
Individually, it is at the global level, says Ludwig Haakansson.
Sweden beat Finland by 10 points during last winter’s World Cup qualifiers. Now the return is waiting, and now the Finnish team has received a real push.
For the first time in four years, NBA star Laurie Markanen will play for the national team.
You will give them a lot, both in terms of size and talent. In addition, they will likely have 10,000 blisters that will sit and scream. But we still go in to win the match, he says Victor Gadfors.
Ludwig Haakansson is on the same path.
Finland already has a style of play that Markkanen benefits from, so they won’t have to make any major changes for him to fit in. And individually, it is at the global level.
‘Very big and tall’
Markkanen, brother of former AIK player Eero Markanen, plays every day Cleveland Cavaliers. There, he averaged 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds during the season.
If Sweden wants to win and is one step closer to qualifying for the final round of World Cup qualifiers, they must stop Markkanen.
– It’s very big and long and shoots well. He’s also taller than me and Denzel (Andersson) who’s probably playing with him, so he’ll pay off. Gaddefors says it will be a tough challenge, but it will be about our team’s defense.
Sweden has achieved two victories so far in qualifying. With their victory over Finland, Sweden is ready to move forward if Croatia loses its game against Slovenia.