Sweden’s qualification to the World Cup this coming summer means an exciting and fun summer for the footballs fans. Since the World Cup is played in North America many Swedish fans will stay up late to watch matches in the middle of the night. Advancement from the group stage is a minimum requirement from the fans. Let’s keep in mind that the last time the World Cup was played in North America, in the United States, Sweden won bronze. This was a huge achievement. Some say that the World Cup in 1994 started an era for the Swedish national team that ended with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement.
A New Hope
The Swedish national team is under re-construction. Many key players have retired and there is no natural leader in the team during the matches. How long will it take before the team reaches the same heights as the previous generations?
Well, for one, the team qualified to the World Cup. That in itself is a very good sign.
And now we have a (dare I say it?) superstar striker in Viktor Gyökeres. Gyökeres is becoming the shining light for Swedish fans this summer.
But hang on a second, you say. What about Alexander Isak? You are right. Luckily we have one more world class striker in the form of Isak. Check back later for a piece on him.
In Sweden, Isak has been a start for a while now. Gyökeres is the new star. His productive time in Sporting before his move to Arsenal has raised the expectations.
Dare we hope that Gyökeres will carry Sweden to a new bronze medal in America?
Arsenal
The Sporting system is different than that of Arsenals. Would Gyökeres be able to adapt to Arsenals possession game? With matches left of his debut season Gyökeres has scored 21 goals. In recent times only Thierry Henry, Alexis Sánches and Ian Wright score more goals in their debut season at Arsenal. Arsenal are now three victories away from winning the Premier League.
Sweden
How far can the enthusiasm of playing in the World Cup carry an inexperienced team? We know two things. Sweden will play like a team and they will play disciplined. But tournaments are tournaments. There is no re-matches. Often games come down to moments. The best players are in the right spot at those moments. Gyökeres is one of those players who knows where he has to be.