After a dominant run—which included a 3–0 thumping over the U.S. in group play and heartbreaking silver medal finish at the Tokyo Games—Sweden has struggled. First, the Blue and Yellow were trounced 4–0 by England in the Euro 2022 semifinals, then earlier this year recorded a series of friendly draws (against Germany and Norway) and a loss to Denmark. Still, expectations are high for the Group G favorites. Sweden has a stacked, experienced roster, including a generational talent in 33-year-old midfielder Kosovare Asllani, who possesses great technique on the ball and playmaking vision. A semifinalist in four of its eight World Cup showings, the team is known for its tactical prowess, particularly the ability to orchestrate and create opportunities on set pieces.
Lobeca/IMAGO
With Argentina and South Africa—two teams that failed to win a game four years ago and seem unlikely to be threats here—in the group, Italy will be Sweden’s top challenger. And finishing first is important, as the U.S. likely awaits the second-place finisher in the round of 16. Four years ago, Italy appeared in the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, reaching the quarterfinals. The result went beyond the tournament: Thanks in part to the national team’s renaissance, the start of the 2022–23 Serie A season last August marked the league’s first with professional status. To build on that, Le Azzurre will have to mesh veterans and new talent and stick to its strengths: speed and ball movement.
