“The dream of the EC crushed – Blågult completely misplaced”, writes Aftonbladet.
“Sweden’s EC dream shattered after the humiliation”, writes Expressen.
For now, it simply looks bleak for Sweden.
– We have to look in the mirror. The goals we concede are too easy, says Sweden’s captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf to Viaplay.
DISAPPOINTED: Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is Sweden’s captain, and here on the grass in Stockholm.
Photo: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND / AFP
– Looks very dark
With a 1-3 loss against Austria, it was another setback for Sweden. After a goalless 1st half, the guests from Austria scored two quick goals after the break.
– A really cold shower. But what to do? We continue to fight, but do not succeed, says Albin Ekdal to Swedish Radiosporten.
– Has the EC in Germany been run?
– It looks dark. Very dark, replies Ekdal.
– It’s not done until it’s over, says Lindelöf.
Emil Holm’s overtime goal was scant consolation for the Swedes.
– I don’t know what to say. We play a good first half and should have scored. Then we concede easy goals and we have no chance of coming back, says Lindelöf to Viaplay.
The previous EC without Sweden was 27 years ago
Thus, Sweden’s EC hopes are almost over, even with three games left in the group stage. Sweden is now seven points behind both Belgium and Austria and thus needs a small miracle if they are to be among the top two who progress to the European Championship play-offs.
THE DRAWER: Sweden’s coach Janne Andersson.
Photo: FREDRIK SANDBERG / AFP
Coach Janne Andersson has a contract until the summer of 2024. After Thursday’s loss, he was asked if he will step aside.
– My position is that I will not give up. I’m hugely disappointed that we didn’t get anything tonight, Andersson says after the match.
– Changing coaches is one option. But then you have to have a new name in place. What do you have to work with? Is there anyone better than Janne? asks Johan Elmander, the player with 76 international caps who is now an expert on Sveriges Radio.
By all accounts, Sweden also has no chance of reaching a playoff through the National League.
– The disappointment is incredibly great. We had high expectations that Sweden would take part in the EC match. The fact that it is over with several matches left feels strange, says Elmander.
The last time Sweden was not in a football European Championship for men was in 1996.
A total of 24 teams qualify for next year’s football EC.
2023-09-12 21:53:20
#Sweden #humiliated #home #hopes
