Sweden youngsters lead EURO play-off hopes
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
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Sweden were overcome by Cristiano Ronaldo in their last major tournament play-offs, but the manner of the nation's Under-21 triumph this summer provides positivity and possibility.
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Autumn play-offs evoke contrasting memories among Sweden players. In 2013, Erik Hamrén's squad fell to Portugal, missing out on the FIFA World Cup. A year later the Under-21s overcame France in thrilling fashion, the springboard to their being crowned European champions this summer.
"I go into this with a positive feeling," said Oscar Lewicki, one of several U21s who have stepped up to the senior side. The Malmö midfielder struck two of Sweden's goals last autumn as they overcame a 2–0 first-leg deficit against France to win 4–3 on aggregate. "I enjoy games like these," the 23-year-old told UEFA.com. "I've had good play-off experiences with the Under-21s and in the Champions League."
Hamrén's latest squad included five graduates from the Sweden U21 side that captured the nation's first ever men's national-team trophy in the Czech Republic in June. In Monday's 2-0 win against Moldova, Lewicki and John Guidetti played all 90 minutes, while Abdulrahman Khalili, Filip Helander Isaac and Kiese Thelin – the other double goalscorer in the play-off win against France – were also in Hamrén's party.
The youngsters bring a sense of positivity and possibility, with some of the older guard still harbouring dark memories of missing out on last year's World Cup at the final hurdle. Mikael Antonsson was in the team that lost 4–2 on aggregate to Portugal in November 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring all of the opponents' goals.
"We started well in the away leg but couldn't keep it together at home," said Antonsson, adding: "Even so, I would prefer to start with an away tie this time again."
Asked by UEFA.com if the losing experience two years ago makes him even more motivated this time, the 34-year-old København defender replied: "Oh yes. Particularly at my age as I won't get many more chances to play in a final tournament. We'd better make it this time."
Zlatan Ibrahimović is the same age as Antonsson and also approaching the twilight years of his career. "We want to reach the EUROs. I want to reach the EUROs. The play-offs will be tough, but we are there and we will fight. It will be two finals," said the Paris Saint-Germain man. France has been his home since 2012 and that is added motivation – not that Sweden need any.