Group D: United States | Australia | Sweden | Nigeria
Sweden is looking to reach its first World Cup final since 2003. Will Pia Sundhage's return be the key?
The journey
Sweden's qualification run was nearly as dominant as Germany's, as it won all 10 games with a plus-31 goal differential, conceding just one goal (a penalty kick, against Scotland). The Swedes, who have yet to miss a Women's World Cup, also will have a new, and familiar, coach for the tournament. Pia Sundhage, who led the U.S. Women's national team to two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) and a World Cup final appearance (2011), officially returned home in December 2012 and brings a wealth of experience. She also played for Sweden in the 1991 and 1995 World Cups.
Whole Lotta plays
Lotta Schelin was one of the most aggressive players in the 2011 Women's World Cup. Her 50 one-on-ones in the attacking third was almost double of any other player, and she did so all across the pitch.
The rep
Given the edge Sweden has over most teams in terms of size, not to mention the pace of star forward Lotta Schelin, it has traditionally leaned toward playing a more direct style. But with Sundhage now in charge, Sweden has attempted to implement a more technical approach, with mixed results. The spine of the team is impressive -- Nilla Fischer, Caroline Seger and Schelin are all longtime contributors to the squad. Schelin, in particular, has the speed to get in behind defenses and is also strong enough to play with her back to the goal. Sweden likely won't divert from the 4-4-2 formation it used throughout qualifying, with Seger anchoring the midfield throughout much of the campaign.
Projected formation
Sweden is expected to use a 4-4-2 lineup:
The question
Do the Swedes have a killer instinct? After reaching the World Cup final in 2003, they finished third overall in 2011. This time around, they still seem to be content to play good soccer and enjoy the experience. Given Sundhage's leadership and the Swedes' elite talent level, they should have enough to make another deep run in the tournament, but probably not enough to win the whole thing.
World Cup history
A look at how Sweden has fared in previous tournaments:
Group-stage schedule
Sweden's first two matches will be held at Winnipeg Stadium, while the third will be played at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton:
• June 8: Nigeria, 4 p.m. ET
• June 12: United States, 8 p.m. ET
• June 16: Australia, 8 p.m. ET
Foudy's take
I predict Sweden will win the group and the United States will finish second. Similar to the 2011 World Cup, Sweden might be able to take the United States early when they meet June 12, but I don't think it has enough to go the entire way.
Social scene
A video posted by Swedish Women's National team (@swewnt) on