As Alessia Russo’s outrageous backheel crashed through the legs of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, Sweden were hit with the same familiar feeling of crushing disappointment. Ranked third in the world, Sweden are regulars in the latter stages of major tournaments and head to Australia and New Zealand as one of the main contenders, but taking the final step is something that has proved beyond them in recent years.
Certainly, Sweden’s record is one of impressive consistency. Since 2016, they have reached the Olympics final twice, the World Cup semi-finals in 2019, and the Euros semi-finals in 2022. In 2023, Sweden will look to turn their colour from bronze and silver into gold. Headlined by Barcelona star Fridolina Rolfo and Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius, Peter Gerhardsson will feel he has a squad that is capable of challenging again, even if there is a feeling that their best opportunities have already slipped away.
