Sweden’s Path to Euro 2025: A Deep Dive into the Second Leg Against Serbia
Sweden, ranked fifth globally in women’s football, stands on the precipice of securing a spot in the Euro 2025 tournament, hosted by Switzerland. Following a comfortable 2-0 victory in the away leg of their playoff qualifier against Serbia, ranked 34th, the Swedish team, affectionately known as Blågult (The Blue-Yellow), anticipates a different challenge in the return fixture at Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena. While the first leg saw a surprisingly passive Serbian side, the Swedes expect a more aggressive and determined opponent in the second leg, recognizing Serbia’s potential despite the ranking disparity. Missing the Paris Olympics in 2024 has fueled Sweden’s determination, as they strive to maintain their consistent presence in major tournaments. The overarching goal is clear: qualification for Euro 2025 is paramount, and the team remains laser-focused on achieving this objective.
The first leg victory, while ultimately comfortable, highlighted areas for improvement in the Swedish performance. Head coach Peter Gerhardsson, while pleased with the result, identified several key aspects requiring refinement. Although future stars Hanna Bennison and Rosa Kafaji secured the win with second-half goals, the team’s initial performance was sluggish. Gerhardsson emphasized the need for enhanced offensive efficiency in and around the penalty box, focusing on improving both delivery of crosses and runs towards the near post. Anticipating a higher Serbian defensive line in the second leg, he also stressed the importance of developing a more effective deep-passing game to exploit potential space behind the defense. Preparation for all eventualities includes penalty practice, should the match require a shootout.
Defensive solidity is another area of focus for Gerhardsson. He pinpointed two specific areas needing improvement: defending set pieces and preventing easy counter-attacks. While acknowledging the team’s lapses in possession that contributed to some Serbian counter-attacking opportunities, he also emphasized the need for better positional discipline from certain players, particularly in maintaining defensive positioning to avoid being caught on the wrong side of opponents. These adjustments are crucial to ensure a comprehensive performance and minimize the risk of Serbia mounting a comeback.
The tactical adjustments prescribed by Gerhardsson highlight the meticulous preparation undertaken by the Swedish team. Recognizing the potential shift in Serbia’s approach, the coaching staff has identified specific areas for improvement to ensure a more dominant and controlled performance in the second leg. The focus on both offensive and defensive refinements demonstrates a commitment to a well-rounded approach, aiming to maximize attacking potency while simultaneously bolstering defensive resilience. This multifaceted approach reflects a desire to control the game from both ends of the pitch and leave nothing to chance.
Kosovare Asllani, a key figure in the Swedish midfield, echoed the coach’s sentiments, acknowledging the unexpected defensive approach adopted by Serbia in the first leg. She anticipates a more proactive Serbian side in the return fixture, driven by the need to overturn the deficit. Asllani emphasized the importance of respecting the opponent’s capabilities and maintaining focus on their own performance to secure qualification. This shared understanding between the coaching staff and players underscores the team’s unity and determination to achieve their objective.
The match, taking place on the artificial turf of Tele2 Arena, carries significant weight for both nations. For Sweden, it represents an opportunity to reaffirm their status as a European powerhouse and secure a place in the continental showpiece. For Serbia, it offers a chance to defy expectations and stage a remarkable comeback against a higher-ranked opponent. The contrasting narratives add another layer of intrigue to the fixture, setting the stage for a compelling encounter with high stakes.
