After a semi-final finish at the Euros in 2022 and a silver medal at the Olympics in 2020, Sweden will again be one of the favourites for the 2023 World Cup. Many of their stars are now into the twilight of their careers, but one who remains in their prime is Stina Blackstenius, their power-house centre-forward capable of banging in the goals. Here is a brief analysis of Blackstenius, and why she will be integral to Sweden's success in 2023.
Sweden might be the second best nation in the world on FIFA World Rankings, but on the pitch, they were easily second best in Tuesday night's semi-final. England on the other hand performed admirably and with a clinical verve, even if some unwanted discrepancies crept into their performance. In the end, Sarina Wiegman's team produced the goods when required, and now move onto the final with the chance to lift the country's first ever senior European Championships title, at their home ground, Wembley. Unfortunately for the Swedes, their worst showing of the tournament sends them home without a prayer; however, their attention can now be aimed towards a place at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Nobody gave Sweden a chance at this summer's Euros prior to the tournament beginning, and even now after topping their group they will likely continue to be underestimated. But the Swedes have been more than defensively solid enough to demonstrate that they could have what it takes to challenge even Europe's elite at this tournament. Here is our tactical analysis of Sweden at Euro 2020.
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