Swedish Women's National Team: Gustavsson's Starting Lineup and Asllani's Leadership for Nations League Semi-final
Tony Gustavsson announces starting lineup for Sweden’s Nations League semi-final against Spain with captain Kosovare Asllani continuing her leadership role.
- • Tony Gustavsson announces first starting eleven as Sweden’s head coach for Nations League semi-final against Spain.
- • Kosovare Asllani confirmed as captain, continuing her international career and motivated to win Sweden’s first major title since 1984.
- • Lineup includes Jennifer Falk, Hanna Lundkvist, Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt, Anna Sandberg, Filippa Angeldahl, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Stina Blackstenius, and Fridolina Rolfö.
- • Sweden faces a tough challenge, having lost three recent matches against Spain; Gustavsson emphasizes stability and leadership given short preparation time.
Key details
Tony Gustavsson, the newly appointed head coach of the Swedish women's national football team, has revealed his first starting eleven ahead of the crucial Nations League semifinal against Spain. This match marks the first of two leg battles in the competition, with the initial encounter scheduled for October 24 in Málaga and the return leg on October 28 in Gothenburg (112945, 113009, 113017).
Gustavsson emphasized clarity and stability in the lineup, believing that surprise alone does not win matches. His starting team features Jennifer Falk in goal, accompanied by a defense of Hanna Lundkvist, Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt—who replaces the injured Magdalena Eriksson—and Anna Sandberg. The midfield trio comprises Filippa Angeldahl, captain Kosovare Asllani, and Julia Zigiotti Olme, supporting the attack of Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Stina Blackstenius, and Fridolina Rolfö (112945, 113017).
Asllani, who has 203 caps and 50 goals for Sweden, has chosen to continue her international career despite considering retirement after the last European Championship. She is motivated by the opportunity to help Sweden secure its first major title since 1984 and takes great pride in leading the team under Gustavsson’s tenure. Her leadership role has been praised by the coach as essential for team cohesion, highlighting a collective leadership model where multiple experienced players can step up when she is off the pitch (112983, 112945).
Sweden enters the semifinal challenge aware of Spain's recent dominance, having lost the last three matches against them and conceding eight goals in the last two encounters. Gustavsson acknowledged the difficulties posed by limited preparation time and a new coaching staff but struck an optimistic tone about the team’s potential and tactical approach.
The squad’s selection also reflects necessary adjustments due to injuries, such as Ilestedt stepping in for Eriksson and Sandberg replacing Jonna Andersson at left-back, with Gustavsson confident most players from the recent open training sessions will start (113017).