Sweden's Women's Football Team Revamps Lineup After Heavy Defeat to Spain
After a heavy 0-4 defeat to Spain, Sweden's women's national football coach Tony Gustavsson is making extensive lineup changes, emphasizing youth and future World Cup preparation.
- • Sweden lost 0-4 to Spain in the Nations League semifinal under new coach Tony Gustavsson.
- • Gustavsson plans significant lineup changes focusing on young players like 19-year-old Smilla Holmberg.
- • Holmberg and others will gain experience against top-ranked Spain ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
- • The return match is scheduled at Gamla Ullevi, with a focus on both performance and long-term development.
Key details
Following a heavy 0-4 loss to world number one Spain in the Nations League semifinal, Sweden's women's national football team head coach Tony Gustavsson has announced significant changes to the starting lineup for the upcoming return match at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg. Gustavsson, who recently took over from Peter Gerhardsson, emphasized that while they aim to perform strongly in the critical 90 minutes to overturn the deficit, there is a broader focus on nurturing young talent in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers ahead.
Among the notable changes is the inclusion of 19-year-old Smilla Holmberg, who impressed in training and a previous substitute appearance. Gustavsson highlighted the importance of giving young players experience against top-tier opposition: "When else do these young players get the opportunity to measure themselves against a world number one?" Holmberg expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, "As a football player, you always want to play a lot. It's super fun to play against the best players in Europe."
The coach also hinted at the potential debut of Elma Junttila-Nelhage and stressed the need for energy and fearless play against Spain, noting, "We need power and energy, and we have nothing to lose; now it's all in." Gustavsson acknowledged the risks involved in making bold lineup changes but insisted it was necessary for the team's development and future success.
The upcoming match is seen as both a chance to compete for progression in the Nations League and an essential step in building a squad capable of challenging stronger international opposition in the World Cup qualifiers. The confirmed starting lineup includes Jennifer Falk in goal; defenders Hanna Lundkvist, Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt, and Anna Sandberg; midfielders Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, and Julia Zigiotti Olme; with Stina Blackstenius, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, and Fridolina Rolfö leading the attack.
With a clear focus on both immediate results and longer-term team growth, Sweden's new coach is determined to make bold decisions, accepting potential criticism to place the team on a path toward future success.