AUCKLAND - They don't attract the same level of attention as many of their rivals, but Sweden might be starting to quietly believe this is their year after reaching yet another semi-final at the Women
AUCKLAND - They don't attract the same level of attention as many of their rivals, but Sweden might be starting to quietly believe this is their year after reaching yet another semi-final at the Women's World Cup.
After losing to the Netherlands in the last four in 2019, and to Japan at the same stage in 2011, Sweden face Spain on Tuesday hoping to secure a first final appearance since 2003, when they were edged out by Germany. Sweden might have fallen short all too often when it comes to the crunch, but all that past experience could serve them well against a Spain team appearing at this stage of the World Cup for the first time.
She has seen many players come and go, and only four of the team that started against Japan also lined up in the 2019 semi-final.Jakobsson puts Sweden's consistency down to the players getting on with each other, something which may appear simplistic but is helpful at a major tournament when teams spend weeks together in hotels far from home.
"The chemistry in the team is crucial for us. We really enjoy being together and I think if you are happy off the pitch it shows on the pitch," said captain Kosovare Asllani.
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