FIFA World Cup 2018 Group F: Sweden

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA

Sweden will be in the World Cup for the first time since 2006 when it takes on Germany, South Korea and Mexico in Group F.

The team had qualified for Russia 2018 after eliminating Italy in the European playoff knockout round. It advanced from the group stage, collecting 19 points in 10 matches and secured second spot behind France to play in the playoff round.

Sweden's star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the focal point of the news, when the national team did not include him in their World Cup plans.

Swedish national team players are mostly playing in Europe, including Victor Lindelof of Manchester United, Mikael Lustig of Celtic and Andreas Granqvist of Krasnodar in defence.

Turkish-origin player Jimmy Durmaz of Toulouse will be in the midfield, while veteran forward Marcus Berg of Al-Ayn and John Guidetti of Alaves will look for goals playing forward.

Sweden has a rich World Cup history; it has participated in the tournament 11 times before; the country has even played a World Cup final in 1958 where it was defeated by Brazil.

Sweden's confirmed 23-men squad:

Goalkeepers: Karl-Johan Johnsson (Guingamp), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Swansea City), Robin Olsen (FC Copenhagen).

Defenders: Ludwig Augustinsson (Werder Bremen), Andreas Granqvist (Krasnodar), Filip Helander, Emil Krafth (Bologna), Pontus Jansson (Leeds United), Mikael Lustig (Celtic), Victor Lindelof (Manchester United), Martin Olsson (Swansea City).

Midfielders: Viktor Claesson (Krasnodar), Jimmy Durmaz (Toulouse), Albin Ekdal (Hamburg), Emil Forsberg (Leipzig), Oscar Hiljemark (Genoa), Sebastian Larsson (Hull City), Marcus Rohden (Crotone), Gustav Svensson (Seattle Sounders).

Forwards: Marcus Berg (Al-Ayn), John Guidetti (Alaves), Isaac Kiese Thelin (Waasland-Beveren), Ola Toivonen (Toulouse).

Manager: Janne Andersson.