Today's Talking Points
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1Sweden are one of the more underrated sides in the tournament β without Zlatan IbrahimoviΔ for the first time in 20 years, they've actually found a more cohesive team identity built around collective effort rather than one superstar.
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2Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham and Alexander Isak of Newcastle are their best players β both Premier League regulars performing at a high level, which gives Sweden quality in the final third that doesn't rely on heroics.
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3They're in Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia β Netherlands are strong favourites, but Sweden could realistically compete for second place if their defensive solidity holds up against Japan's pressing.
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4Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup without Zlatan β a result that surprised many and showed the squad had genuine quality beyond just their most famous player.
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5The post-Zlatan era has been defined by a determination to play as a team β Swedish football historically produces technically disciplined, hard-working players, and the current generation reflects that well.
πΊ Top Thing To Say Down The Pub
Sweden are actually better without Zlatan. They reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup playing as a team rather than as his support act. The current squad continues that.
π« Avoid Saying
"Sweden lost Zlatan" β he retired from international football in 2016 and they went to the quarter-finals two years later. He's not the missing piece. They've moved on.