Sweden's men's national football team faces a decisive World Cup playoff against Ukraine on Thursday. Coach Graham Potter has selected Kristoffer Nordfeldt as goalkeeper, with Viktor Gyökeres viewed as key to success. The match is worth 100 million kronor.
Sweden's football national team has a chance to reach the World Cup finals this summer via a playoff against Ukraine on Thursday. Coach Graham Potter has picked AIK goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt in goal. 'Kristoffer has solid experience and has been a significant part of the national team for many years. He is ready for and looks forward to the task,' Potter said in a press release. Nordfeldt himself calls it 'a great honour, first and foremost' and describes it as 'the biggest thing you can do' to represent the country in such matches. The veteran has long experience with the national team. Viktor Gyökeres, the Arsenal star, carries high expectations into the match. He has no issue with the pressure: it is 'a yoke he gladly bears.' Gyökeres's strong performances in the 2024 Nations League contributed to Sweden getting a lifeline to the World Cup despite the qualifying failure. The team missed the Euro 2024 in Germany and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Swedish Football Association general secretary Niclas Carlnén emphasizes the value of a major tournament: 'We don't know what it looks like ahead and then it is clear that championships contribute.' The playoff pot is 100 million kronor.
