lig. Self-confidence is broken, relations are lacking on the field, the national team pressed for the first time in a long time.
Sweden wanted and needed to grow into the European Championships.
If you feel a heat wave after 5-0 against Portugal? No, it’s pure comfort in the air.
Two thousand cheerleaders, blue and yellow better than 30,000 biotech spectators.
Perhaps the sights that greeted Sweden upon their arrival at Lee – happy Swedes with their loosened vocal chords – were exactly the kind of powerhouse this devious team needed.
Mood said something completely different the day before.
Then, when the player’s bus arrived on Saturday afternoon, he only met the team with a sign bearing the text Welcome to Wigan & Leigh.
The text was accompanied by the Swedish, Portuguese, Dutch and Swiss flags and the letter: “It’s show time!”.
Claiming that the European Championships have felt like a party so far would be worth it. Indeed, there was an ominous feeling in the unusually hot summer air. What exactly bothered could not be put on a finger, but it was as if joy had been sucked out of the team after the crunchy start.
An exciting statement like this with results in hand.
I actually grew taller
Of course, Francesco Neto, captain of the national team, remembered a February evening in the Algarve earlier this year. His gang has shown that their game has evolved significantly in recent years, and that Sweden needs to watch out for rapid changes.
After Silva and Silva had to run in the Algarve half, the Swedes took advantage of what Portugal didn’t have: height and heavy physique.
Three of the four goals in winning originated from fixed positions. Neto knew that goalkeeper Ines Pereira, who is 168 cm tall, would not stand a chance in the air at Les Sports Village Arena.
“We can’t grow in height until tomorrow,” the league captain noted the day before.
But, yes, they did it indirectly because Patricia Moraes, 178cm, was the goalkeeper instead at the kickoff.
If this step succeeded? Not even half.
Aslani, teammate of love
Twenty minutes later, when Sweden took the first corner of the match, Moraes failed to clear the ball hard. She landed in front of Philippa Engeldahl, who was unknown until then, and a few seconds later was put into the net.
Kosovar Aslani, captain in Caroline Seeger’s absence, was great to watch. Not only because of her technical abilities. She spread her arms over Judge Frappart, chewing surfaces like a pacman and arranged sturdier stances.
An opponent of hate, a fellow in love.
After awarding a free kick close to the sideline, Asllani attempted a move that loyal fans might recognize from training. Who would have been in a perfect shooting position if not Engeldahl, who scored his second goal.
The half ended with Carol Costa tipping the ball behind Moraes in a lengthy fight with Amanda Ellstedt.
The relief in the Swedish faces was noticeable, especially as Seeger looked 10kg lighter when she hugged her teammates. They exerted the pressure they had to deal with recently, but now they only intentionally eased.
Neto, in turn, began to dismantle the match plan and throw it in the trash.
Some aspects to review
It is dangerous to float away when the match ends 5-0 and guarantees the group victory with a better goal difference compared to the Netherlands. Portugal shrank more and more with every goal conceded. In the end, Stina Blackstenius did not even have to jump into the penalty area with gestures (however, the striker determined the end result with a good shot in the penalty area).
Some aspects, especially during the first half – very uneven – Peter Gerhardsson and his team will take a little extra look.
Substitute Engeldahl and Seger Natalie Björn often ended up with the ball in the middle, meaning Sweden were mainly looking for the long ball.
Fridolina Rulfo tended to slip a little lower than desired and at times was out of the game.
Anderson has a major role
In any case, Gerhardsson can be happy that at least one player has taken shape and suddenly plays a major role.
During some bad minutes in the first half, Jonah Anderson fell to the ground and writhed in pain. That left-back dares – and can – is exactly what Sweden needs to expand the game. What was largely missing in the 2-1 win over Switzerland was when they were resting on the bench.
Finally Anderson got up as fans chanted “Jonah, Jonah, Jonah.” Then she helped crush Portugal with strength, precision, and a much-needed touch of fluency.
Sweden hopes to grow in this tournament. Now the first place is secured, which means that a simpler opposition (Italy or Belgium) is waiting in the quarter-finals.
It’s show time.
