No big highs, no big lows. Such has been the reaction of Sweden from their first two matches of the Six days after in their opening match of Group F, Sweden were on the other end of the at Houston Stadium against the Netherlands.
Speaking with FIFA following the loss to the Dutch, defender and captain Victor Lindelof maintained that things will remain even-keeled in the Sweden camp as they approach their group finale against Japan.
“I mean, that's football. It can change very, very quickly,” said Lindelof. “One day you're at the top, and then another day you're at the lowest. That's life, and that's football. We have a new game on Thursday, and we're going to do everything in our power to create a good atmosphere in the group and go out there and perform.”
It was easy to see why Sweden felt frustrated despite the four-goal margin. After quickly falling behind 2-0, Graham Potter’s played some of their best football of the day following the first-half hydration break and came achingly close to a goal on several occasions, only to see the Dutch turn the screws early in the second stanza with another two goals.
“I think obviously the result is what it is, but I think we did some good things today that we can take with us,” said Lindelof. “And obviously, another few things that we can learn from. I think the goals that we conceded are a little bit too easy. But then again, if you are not in the right position, if you lose half a metre, one metre against players like this, they're going to punish you and that's exactly what happened today.”
“There were almost three identical goals that we conceded, where they play a short pass in between the keeper and the defensive line and they managed to score. It's tough, but obviously we have another game coming up, and we have everything in our own hands.”
Forward Anthony Elanga sounded a similar tone, believing Sweden were far better than the four-goal margin suggested.
“I think the scoreline doesn't really reflect the performance,” said Elanga. “I don’t think it's a 5-1 game. I think we could have played much better. We could have scored more goals, and I could have played better when I came on. But the most important thing is to take the positives from this game and try to make the next game even better.”
Elanga did bring a spark to the Swedish attack by running onto an Alexander Isak pass and finishing for his side’s lone goal. The 24-year-old also produced the biggest awe-inducing moment of the day with a clever backheel pass to himself through the legs of a Dutch defender. Even in defeat, Elanga can appreciate showcasing his skills in front of a World Cup audience.
“I think the World Cup is the biggest stage in the world, and you really want to show your abilities,” said Elanga. “My objective was to just come on and try and help the team as much as possible. I got a goal, which is a bonus, but I really wanted to win the game. Hopefully, again, we can take the positives from this game and make the next game even better.”
Sources: FIFA Official
