Sweden has the trump cards to defend Tunisia

Although they finished last in the qualifiers, in a group with Kosovo, Switzerland and Slovenia, with only two points, the Swedish national football team, thanks to their first place in Group C1 of the Nations League, got the opportunity to reach the World Cup through the playoffs.

The "three crowns" team took advantage of the second opportunity - first in the semi-finals of the playoffs they defeated Ukraine (3:1), and then in the final, in front of the home fans in Solna (3:2). The terrible qualifications were forgotten, and Viktor Dzekereš, Alexander Isak and teammates led the Swedes to the World Cup after 2018.

The draw for the World Cup has placed Sweden in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. The first match is scheduled for Sunday night (04:00), and the Swedes' rival will be Tunisia.

"We know it won't be easy. It's not easy to win games at the World Cup. But we have to believe, to have faith that we can win every match," said Sweden coach Graham Potter.

Potter succeeded Jon Dahl Tomasson in October last year. He led the team in the final two qualifying matches, and was appointed as a permanent solution, rather than as an interim coach, which caused astonishment among the Swedish public at the time.

Sweden's main hope is the attacking duo of Viktor Dzekeres and Alexander Isak. Dzekeres comes after winning the Premier League title with Arsenal and playing in the Champions League final. On the other hand, Isak has had problems with injuries.

"Isak had a difficult time at Liverpool, but he's a top-class player. He's still a top player," Potter said.

Unlike Sweden, Tunisia had a top-notch qualification. The African team took first place in the group with nine wins and one draw, and no goals conceded. The defense, therefore, did an excellent job.

- Our defensive performance in the qualifiers showed that we are a good team. But we are facing matches against teams that play with high intensity, which will require us to make different adjustments. We have to be ready for whatever awaits us - said Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouche.

Probable lineups - Sweden (3-4-1-2): Nordfelt - Hijen, Lindelef, Lagerbjelke - Bernhardson, Karlstrom, Ajari, Gudmundson - Nigren - Isak, Đekereš.

Tunis (4-3-3): Čamak - Valeri, Rekik, Talbi, Abdi - Skiri, Mežbri, Kedira - Garbi, Šuat, Ašuri.