Sweden crushed by Portugal: getting closer to relocation

Of: Erik karlsson, Michael Wagner

Published: October 14, 2020 at 10:37 p.m.
Updated: October 14, 2020 at 11:51 p.m.

LISBON / STOCKHOLM. Portugal beat Sweden 3-0.

A historic loss. For the first time in 108 years, Sweden has racked up four consecutive defeats in competitive matches.

– We are facing the best teams in the world, so there is a risk that we will lose matches, says Janne Andersson.

There were hopes that Portugal would be more vulnerable without their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Liverpool signed Diogo Jota replaced with that honor. First he played until Bernardo Silvas 1-0, then he ran (suspected offside) for depth and made it 2-0 just before the break.

He made it 3-0 on his own when he escaped from substitute Mattias Johansson and circled a lying Pontus Jansson before setting the ball in the 72nd minute.

Photograph: Pressens Bild / TT / TT NYHETSBYRÅN

The 1912 Swedish Olympic team.

– I have managed to prove myself. I am very proud to have been successful in my second outing with the national team, says the hero of the match.

“The balance is not good enough”

Sweden’s fourth consecutive defeat and another step towards relegation to Group B of the Nations League. One last chance for a change comes in meeting Croatia in the next round when a win can save Sweden.

Sweden have not had four consecutive defeats in competitive contexts in modern times. On July 1, 1912, the Swedish Olympic team lost to Italy 1-0 and could even add four consecutive defeats in competition.

– I haven’t been involved in 100 years. We know the best teams in the world. Then there is the risk of losing games. If we want to play in another division, the chances of winning games increase. It is important for us to grow at this level. It’s not fun to lose, but we probably have to accept that we lose a little more often, says Janne Andersson of the grim stats.

Pontus Jansson was also disappointed.

– We have not obtained results in four in a row. It is up to Janne and Peter to choose which path we should follow, he says.

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Published: October 14, 2020 at 10:37 p.m.

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