World Cup Preview: Sweden -v- Republic of Ireland

Ireland line up ahead of their 11-0 win over Georgia in their last World Cup qualifier

Ireland line up ahead of their 11-0 win over Georgia in their last World Cup qualifier Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Macdara Ferris reports from Gothenburg

SWEDEN

Having had a fairly facile 15-0 away win in Georgia last week, Sweden know they just need a point from Tuesday’s game in Gothenburg to qualify for next year’s World Cup (kick off 17:30 Irish time / 18:30 local).

In the way to securing early qualification is a Republic of Ireland side that the Swedes could only get by 1-0 in Tallaght Stadium last October in Ireland’s first qualifier of the campaign.

Swedish boss Peter Gerhardsson feels that the experience of the game in Dublin against Ireland will be beneficial as they look to make it seven wins from seven in this qualification group.

“We had seen them but we hadn’t met them before,” said Gerhardsson speaking on the eve of the game to the assembled Irish and Swedish media. “It’s very important for us to have that knowledge ahead of tomorrow.

“Sometimes in club football, when you have two games against the side, you scout them and view them before but when you’ve met them once, it’s easier.

“And it’s easier for both teams because they have an idea what is going to happen and they can make some changes. The players know a little more about what is going to happen.”

Swedish skipper Caroline Seger, who missed the match in Dublin, is back in the squad.

“It was a tight game (in Tallaght), only 1-0 and they pushed for the equaliser,” said Seger when speaking about the last meeting between the teams. “They have developed a lot.”



The captain made her debut back in 2005 and has played over 225 times for her national side across several iterations of the team. When asked is this the best team she has played in, she laughed and said “I have to say yes! 

“No, but we have a lot of players with so much experience. We have a chance to play a long time together, knowing each other on and off the field. I hope I sit here after we win the Euros (this summer) and say that I was right, that this is the best team.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

A tough task awaits Ireland in Gothenburg on Tuesday as they look to take the first points off Sweden in this World Cup qualifying campaign.

A draw would be a superb result for the girls in green but in reality even a close defeat – like the 1-0 loss in Dublin – would be something that Pauw’s side can build on as they look to secure second place above Finland and Slovakia.



The Swedes have won all six of their qualifiers to date, scoring 26 goals and conceding just the one. 

"It is very difficult to score against them,” said Ireland boss Vera Pauw speaking to the media on Monday evening.

“Of course we have our game plan but also we are very realistic. If we could score, it would be massive for our game.

“Sweden are second in the rankings, Olympic finalists and arguably the best team in the world.

“We are ranked 30, so know what we’ll face. We know they are a fantastic team, especially with all the players back in the squad. They are full strength.”

Runners up spot will provide a playoff route to the finals albeit via a very convoluted process. There are nine groups and each runner-up will take part in the play-offs scheduled for October 2022. The three best runners-up will be seeded directly to round 2 while the six remaining runners-up contest three single-leg play-offs in round 1. The three winners from round 1 and the three teams seeded directly to round 2 will then compete in single-leg play-offs.  

The two play-off winners with the highest ranking (based on results in the qualifying group stage and round 2 play-offs) will qualify for the finals. With the remaining play-off winner competing in an inter-confederation play-off in February 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

Referee: Iuliana Demetrescu (Romania)

MATCH STATS

Ireland are ranked 30th in the world rankings while Sweden sit second in the rankings.

This match is Vera Pauw's 20th in charge of Ireland and she has 8 wins along with 2 draws. Her team have scored 31 times and conceded 24.

Sweden’s 15-0 win last week eclipsed their second highest ever win – which was against Ireland in 1992. Their best ever result was a 17-0 win against Azerbaijan in 2010. The sides have played each other seven times with Sweden securing six wins and the other match ending in a draw.

PREDICTION
3-1 home win  

Sweden

Injured: Anna Anvegard

Suspended: None

Republic of Ireland

Injured: Diane Caldwell, Savannah McCarthy, Niamh Farrelly, Emily Whelan, Aoife Colvill, Saoirse Noonan, Megan Campbell.

Suspended: None

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile