Team profile: Sweden

1.2205780-2463389387 — Andreas Granqvist Image Credit: AP

Coach: Janne Andersson
Star player: Andreas Granqvist
World Cup best: Runners-up, 1958

Ibrahimovic, the former Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Paris St-Germain and Manchester United sensation is now plying his trade with Los Angeles in the MLS, having retired from the international game after scoring a record 62 goals in 116 games, leaving a huge void to be filled for manager Janne Andersson.

But the Swedes have become more of a cohesive side, using teamwork rather than flashes of individual brilliance to excel, as they showed in an efficient two-legged victory over Italy in which they did not concede a goal.
Andersson has been in the job for two years and achieved his first primary goal by securing a berth in Russia.

Giant goalkeeper Robin Olsen should get the nod between the sticks, and the Swedes should have a solid back four in front of him.

Captain Andreas Granqvist ran the show in the play-off against Italy, and he will be calling the shots alongside Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof.
Celtic’s Mikael Lustig and Swansea City’s Martin Olsson should also get plenty of playing time.

RB Leipzig winger Emil Forsberg has been the team’s flair player in Ibrahimovic’s absence but has little big-tournament experience, having only broken into the national side three years ago at the age of 23. He will have Sebastian Larsson to keep him right, the Hull City midfielder has more than a decade of experience for Sweden and should earn his 100th cap in Russia.

The big question is where will the goals come from and Marcus Berg leads the forward line — the Al Ain star scored eight goals in qualifying. He is the top scorer in the Arabian Gulf League, and his side recently won the UAE league title for a record 13th time. Toulouse’s Ola Toivonen will give Berg able back-up, playing just off the big frontman.