FIFA WC: 'We've to get the balance right to play our best game,' says Sweden coach ahead of France clash
New York, June 30
Sweden coach Graham Potter has urged his team to play their best game ever as they face the two-time champions, France, in a crucial round-of-32 clash at the New York-New Jersey stadium on Wednesday.
Sweden advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a mixed group campaign, which began with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia. However, the team then fell by the same scoreline against the Netherlands before drawing 1-1 with Japan in its final group match.
"Against the top teams you have to get the balance right, and we want to play the best game we have ever played. It is a brilliant challenge and opportunity for this team," Potter said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday as quoted by Xinhua.
Potter acknowledged that France, led in attack by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, would present a huge test.
"They have quality all over. We respect our opponents, obviously. They have won the World Cup before, and they have a fantastic manager," said the coach.
"We need to make sure the players have belief and understand the challenge because we are facing a top team," he added. "But we want to seize the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in this stadium against one of the biggest teams in the world, at the World Cup, in New York," he added.
Sweden's last win over France came in June 2017, when they met in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
"We believe in ourselves. We know we can win this match even if it is going to be extremely difficult. We are not just going out to take part. We want a good result. Our World Cup adventure is at stake, and we don't want it to end," defender Victor Lindelof said.
Sweden assistant coach Sebastian Larsson was also clear about the challenge and said that they are ready to tackle everything in a fantastic way.
"I don't think I need to say much about France. They have a couple of guys who are quite skilled. We will have our challenges, but we are looking forward to it in a fantastic way," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sweden has a decent squad but France's depth is insane! They have guys like Mbappe, Dembele, and Griezmann. Potter's right that they need belief, but realistically, France should win comfortably. Still, upsets happen in football—anyone remember Denmark vs. France before the 2018 WC? 🇸🇪🇫🇷
I love this attitude from Potter! He's not just talking about participation—he wants to seize the moment. That's the spirit India needs in our sports teams too. Sweden might not have the individual stars, but as a unit, they could surprise France. Remember 2004? Greece did it! 👏
As a neutral, I'm rooting for Sweden! They've got a tough draw but that's what makes the World Cup exciting. Lindelof's a solid defender but he'll have his hands full with Mbappe. Hope it's not a blowout like Sweden vs Netherlands was earlier. Go Sweden! 🇸🇪
I'm concerned about the defensive balance for Sweden. After conceding 5 against Netherlands, they can't afford to be that open against France. Potter needs to shore up the backline and maybe play with 3 CBs. That's how smaller teams survive against giants! Just my two paisa worth. 🧐
I think Sweden's only chance is if France underestimates them. But knowing Deschamps, he'll have his team well-prepared. The 2017 win was in qualifiers where Sweden played at home in a must-win game. This is a knockout match—different pressure altogether
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