JAKARTA - The results of the last matches of Groups B and C show that they are ranked third in these two groups (Finland and Ukraine), both teams packing 3 points. The figure is one point below the current number of points collected by Sweden, 4 points, and temporarily puts the country at the top of Group E.
That means, Sweden will have their last match against Poland at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Wednesday at 23.00 WIB, having already confirmed their last 16 ticket, at least as one of the four best third places.
For Sweden, which has been confirmed to qualify for the round of 16, can actually play loose. Meanwhile, Poland, who is required to win if they want to be safe in the last 16, must play harder.
This situation must have eased the pressure on Sweden, which before the results of Group B and C were known, had already put up their hearts in their last match against Robert Lewandowksi cs.
Swedish fans cheered cheerfully when the team they supported successfully rolled Slovakia with the final score 1-0 in the Euro 2020 Group E match at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Friday (18/6/2021). BETWEEN PHOTOS/Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron/foc.
Now, they can play loose and may no longer be too defensive so they are more daring to take the initiative to attack in order to maintain their group position.
And should Sweden win this group they will travel to Hampden Park in Glasgow for their last 16 clash against third-placed A, B, C or D on 29 June.
There was a Swedish player who happily imagined his country playing in Glasgow. The player is defender Mikael Lustig who has lived in the city for seven years playing for Scottish premier league club Celtic.
"There's definitely a lot of Swedish fans there, a lot of Swedes who live in England so they want to come there, and I have a lot of friends in Glasgow," Lustig said.
Lustig played a major role in Sweden's ultra-defensive game as they forced Spain to a 0-0 draw which was followed by a tough display to beat Slovakia 1-0 to top the group.
And when they beat Slovakia, striker Alexander Isak opened the eyes of the public that it turns out that in Sweden's attack there are brilliant players who can make the difference on the pitch. Unfortunately, Isak's brilliant performance was not accompanied by an equally brilliant gait from his more senior colleague, Marcus Berg.
Berg was criticized by the Swedish football community for not scoring goals. They asked Berg to be stripped of the Sweden line-up. Sweden coach Janne Andersson who can never be pressured by anyone might keep Berg.
But the situation is suddenly safe for Sweden, can make Andersson pass the demand to try other options in his attacking team. And this means that young striker Robin Quaison is a starter.
The comfortable situation in the Swedish camp is in contrast to Poland, which is under great pressure to win this match. With just one point, Poland doesn't have the luxury of voting like Sweden.
Poland's only option is to have Lewandowski re-infuse his fertility during his time in the Bundesliga, such as when he saved Poland from defeat against Spain in the second match of Group E.
The momentum of the match against Spain must be maintained, not only by Poland, but also by Lewandowski himself.
This player was able to reverse all the luck that had been away from Poland, became suddenly close thanks to his goal magic which had begun to be displayed in the match against Spain.
The Swedish goal could be his next victim. The Swedish centre-back duo Victor Lindelof and Marcus Danielson must be ready to be busy stemming this tall striker, as a victory that is Poland's only target in this match will only make Lewandowski much more aggressive in terrorizing the heart of the Swedish defence. This was reported by Antara.
Prediction of the First Eleven Players
Sweden (4-4-2): Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Danielson, Ludwig Augustinsson; Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Kristoffer Olsson, Emil Forsberg; Alexander Isak, Robin Quaison
Poland (3-4-1-2): Wojciech Szczesny; Batrisz Bereszynski, Kamil Glik, Jan Bednarek; Kamil Jozwiak, Mateusz Klich, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Tymoteusz Puchacz; Piotr Zielinski; Karol Swiderski, Robert Lewandowski
Match Scenario
Despite qualifying for the last 16, Sweden coach Janne Andersson will have to think twice about changing his first eleven in order to maintain momentum, despite his unproductive attack having only scored one goal in two games. He will also keep the standard 4-4-2 formation.
But if there should be a change then it would be to give young striker Robin Quaison a place to start in place of veteran striker Marcus Berg who has so far failed to make an impact.
Quaison was likely the only new player to be included in the first eleven. Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg have indeed been declared free of COVID-19 so they can play in this match, but do not appear to have been installed as starters.
Poland's coach Paulo Sousa gives instructions to his players during the Euro 2020 Group E match between Poland and Spain at La Cartuja Stadium, Seville, Spain on June 19, 2021. (ANTARA/Pool via REUTERS/DAVID RAMOS)
From the Polish camp, coach Paulo Sousa was able to use the services of Grzegorz Krychowiak again after being banned for one game for getting a red card. The entry of Krychowiak again becomes a dilemma because the squad before this match performed well against Spain. But if Krychowiak stays in, then Jakub Moder must be willing to be benched.
Poland had no other choice in attack. Therefore, keep lowering from the start Robert Lewandowski and Karol Swiderski. This time the duo can be more clinical in completing opportunities because Poland must win in order to qualify for the last 16. And their goal was needed by his team.
Behind them is Piotr Zielinski who will support the attacking duo in launching penetration into the Swedish penalty box.
Just like Sweden, Poland is also difficult to change the back line. Therefore coach Paulo Sousa will continue to use the trio of centre-backs Bartosz Bereszynski, Kamil Glik and Jan Bednarek. These three central defenders are the key to Poland's success in repelling the Spanish attack.
Important Stats for Both Teams
Sweden lead Group E with four points after a 0-0 draw against Spain and a 1-0 win over Slovakia, while Poland are bottom with one point after losing 1-2 against Spain and drawing 1-1 against Slovakia.
The results of the Group B and C matches make Sweden certain to qualify for the knockout round. On the other hand, Poland must win in order to qualify for the last 16, regardless of the outcome of the Spain vs Slovakia match.
This is the 27th meeting between the two teams. Sweden won 14 of their previous 26 encounters. Sweden are unbeaten in seven games against Poland since losing 2-0 in a friendly at Gdynia in August 1991.
This is the sixth consecutive Euro finals for Sweden, which has participated in a total of seven times. The best performance was the 1992 Euro semi-finals, losing 2-3 against Germany. Sweden's best achievement in a major tournament was the 1958 World Cup finalists who lost 5-2 against Brazil.
For Poland, this is the fourth Euro finals. Poland's best ever finish was the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 which were beaten at this stage by then-champions Portugal. Poland's last achievement in a major tournament was a third-place finish at the 1974 and 1982 World Cups.
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