Sweden’s national team is full of star players. Nevertheless, the “Tre Konor” is in extreme trouble, especially after the 0:1 (0:1) defeat against Kosovo. How can that be?
Sweden’s team captain Victor Lindelöf reacted ironically to the memorable defeat against Kosovo in the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg. When the fans acknowledged their team’s embarrassing performance with loud whistles after the final whistle, the Aston Villa man gave both thumbs up and “thank you” in his own way.
Gap between fans and team
An image that symbolizes the desolate situation of the Swedish national team and the current gap between the team and the fans. The embarrassment against Kosovo had previously been sealed by Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani’s goal in the 32nd minute.
While the Eastern Europeans, coached by Franco Foda, are well on their way to qualifying for a World Cup for the first time, the World Cup for Sweden next year is on very shaky ground.
“A total disgrace”
The national media is already talking about the biggest fiasco in Swedish football history. The newspaper Aftonbladet writes: “This is a total disgrace, perhaps the worst thing Swedish football has ever experienced.”
Curiously, the three-crown team could also qualify for the 2026 World Cup as bottom of the table in qualifying group B – thanks to the Nations League. Because Sweden won their group here, they have an extra chance to take part in the World Cup tournament through the playoffs.
Filled with international Top stars
But how can it be that this team, which already missed the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship, is in such decline?
After all, the Swedish team is made up of top international players, who the Premier League in particular was after last transfer summer.
210-Million euro storm
Alexander Isak moved from Newcastle United to Liverpool FC for 145 million euros and became the most expensive player in the history of the English league. Arsenal FC transferred 65 million euros to Sporting Lisbon for Isak’s strike partner Viktor Gyökeres.
Behind him, Anthony Elanga – who moved from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle for around 61 million euros – was the third attacker who changed clubs for a lot of money.
Alexander Isak wins header duel against Ilir Krasniqi (l.)
In midfield, the Scandinavians can rely on the Tottenham duo Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall, Brighton star Yasin Ayari and Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson. The defense includes, among others, Dortmund’s Daniel Svensson and Isak Hien from Atalanta Bergamo.
Harsh criticism of the game system
All top people, but their interaction doesn’t work. In Gothenburg there was already criticism from within the company’s own ranks. “Fuck the system,” Anthony Elanga is said to have complained in the players’ tunnel, according to Radiosporten, the sports department of Sveriges Radio.
Offensive star Isak took the same line and criticized the game system. “It’s a small crisis. There has been a negative development in the spring and since the start of the World Cup qualification.”says the offensive star.
Sweden coach Joan Dahl Tomasson
Firing Tomasson?
Of course, the criticism is aimed primarily at one man who bears sporting responsibility: Jon Dahl Tomasson. The Dane, once a successful striker at VfB Stuttgart, took over as coach from Janne Andersson in 2023 after missing the European Championship qualification, but never really found happiness as the first foreign coach in the association’s history.
Swedish media now firmly believe that the game in Gothenburg was his last as national coach. The “Aftonbladet” reported that several people in the association (SvFF) want to release the coach as soon as possible. However, SvFF football boss Kim Källström said after the Kosovo game that Tomasson could well remain in office.
Support within the team is crumbling
The support in the team has long been crumbling. Regular goalkeeper Robin Olsen announced two weeks ago that he no longer wanted to play for the national team – because of Tomasson. “Jon is a leader I don’t want to work under”he said.
Tomasson also has virtually no credit left with the Swedish fans, the majority of whom also called for his dismissal and some of them clearly expressed their anger. “JDT out, Danish bastard”, could be read on a banner, for example.