Share

'Proud' Sweden coach revels in last 16 qualification

Yekaterinburg - Sweden coach Janne Andersson was left "incredibly proud and almost moved" by his team's 3-0 demolition of Mexico to qualify for the Soccer World Cup last 16 on Wednesday.

Andersson has masterminded Sweden's progress to the knockout stages as winners of Group F with Mexico also going through as runners-up as holders Germany crashed out with South Korea.

"We've done a fantastic job today with this match," he said.

"I'm so incredibly proud, almost moved at the thought of how we performed on the pitch, so disciplined. I think we've grown since our last match."

Andersson said it was "hard to describe" his emotions when Andreas Granqvist stepped up to convert the penalty either side of Ludwig Augustinsson's opener and an own goal from Edson Alvarez.

"I forgot to celebrate when he scored, I was already on the next step of my planning. You can never be sure of anything in sports, but he's very good at taking penalties."

He added: "I'm not going to sit here and gloat having won a match, we have a basic approach from the outset, that's what we're basing everything on."

Sweden, who reached the finals by knocking out Italy in the playoffs, will play the runner-up in Group E, which could be Brazil, Sweden or Switzerland.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE