Two wins in two matches is Sweden’s balance at the start of the WC. Against Austria, Tre Kronor did what was required and now the eyes are on Monday’s big game against Finland.
In terms of points, Sweden has done what was required during the first days of the WC. The premiership victory over Germany was followed up this evening with a 5-0 win against Austria.
But it was not a grand effort Sweden was responsible for. Just like against Germany, the team was pale at times. Sweden controlled the match but lacked creativity and sharpness, but it was enough against a weak Austria.
– We start half-heartedly and are not where we want to be, but we work our way in and have a good match, says Pär Lindholm to SVT.
Sweden was 1-0 after 20 minutes and in the second period Marcus Sörensen and Patrik Nemeth found the back of the net. In the last period, Sweden also got the first chain started when 18-year-old great talent Leo Carlsson scored 4-0 on a pass from Lucas Raymond.
– It is important that they are included in the goal report. They have created a lot of chances but it hasn’t really gone their way before. Hopefully they got a good feeling, says national team captain Sam Hallam.
Match against Finland on Monday
Dennis Everberg then completed the scoring against a tired Austria and Sweden took a well-deserved victory.
Backward, it also looks stable for Sweden. In the premiere, it was Lars Johansson who kept a clean sheet and now Jesper Wallstedt stopped all Austrian shots.
– He is cruel and stable at the back. Both Jesper and Lasse like to talk and help the outfielders. It’s very nice to hear a voice from behind, says Lindholm.
The WC continues for Tre Kronor with a match against Finland on Monday evening – perhaps the most anticipated match in the group stage in both countries.
– It will be great fun, it is special to meet Finland in Finland. Hopefully there is a lot of crowd and it will force us to play better and it can benefit us, says Lucas Raymond.
– We must play our game, it feels like we can be a team that is better against tougher opposition, Kompar Carlsson.
In the second group, the Czech Republic won over Kazakhstan 5–1.
