Fansided

One reason every team at the World Cup can win

By Ty Finch

MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images) /
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SOLNA, SWEDEN – MARCH 24: Andreas Granqvist, Marcus Berg, Gustav Svensson, Ola Toivonen, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, goalkeeper, Victor Nilsson Lindelof, Martin Olsson, Mikael Lustig, Sebastian Larsson, Emil Forsberg and Viktor Claesson of Sweden during the International Friendly match between Sweden and Chile at Friends arena on March 24, 2018 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)
SOLNA, SWEDEN – MARCH 24: Andreas Granqvist, Marcus Berg, Gustav Svensson, Ola Toivonen, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, goalkeeper, Victor Nilsson Lindelof, Martin Olsson, Mikael Lustig, Sebastian Larsson, Emil Forsberg and Viktor Claesson of Sweden during the International Friendly match between Sweden and Chile at Friends arena on March 24, 2018 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images) /

Sweden: Out to prove it’s not Ibrahimovic’s national team

Usually when one thinks of the Swedish national team, one name comes to mind: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That’s not without reason, of course. Ibrahimovic is tied for sixth all-time in caps for the team, and is by far their leading scorer. But as of this moment, he’s still retired from international soccer, and the rest of the team will be looking to prove they can make things happen without him. But also, yeah, Ibrahimovic might be mulling a return if he’s fit enough come June.

Sweden have some instantly recognizable names on the roster that will be immense if they’re to get anywhere near the World Cup trophy in the summer. Manchester United center-back Victor Lindelof is still only 23 years old and has less than 20 caps for the senior team, but is their most talented defender. He’ll be playing along side Andreas Granqvist, a seasoned veteran in the national team and winner of the 2017 Swedish player of the year.

Midfielders Sebastian Larsson and Emil Forsberg are an intriguing midfield duo with plenty of experience and skill to both frustrate opposing attackers and find a crucial pass for a forward to latch onto. If Sweden are going to compete with the likes of Germany and Mexico in their group, those two will have to be their best players for every match.

Ibrahimovic is still reportedly interested in coming out of retirement for one last go. Considering he’s never scored in the World Cup, one last opportunity would be hard for someone with his ego and drive to pass up. If he doesn’t? That will only give the rest of the team more drive to prove they can win without him. They did so in qualifying, coming out on top of the Netherlands to qualify for their first World Cup since 2006.

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