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Sweden are reigning bronze medalists from previous World Cups and face Scotland in the play-off ahead of the 2027 World Cup after winning both matches against Lithuania on aggregate 15–0.
Lithuania was blown away by a total of 15–0.
That Sweden would defeat the 94th-ranked team in the first playoff stage for the WC 2027 was probably never really doubted by anyone.
But the return match on Tuesday, 10-0 at home, gave a questioned national team a real push towards what will now be a much tougher task.
An hour after the great Swedish victory, it was clear that Scotland awaits in the decisive double meeting in December.
Win there and a WC summer is secured.
Scotland is 25th in the world ranking. Sweden eight.
- It will be another level. So for us it is important not to be lulled into any false security because we drove over Lithuania, says Real Madrid star Filippa Angeldahl.
However, the national team has found its way back to itself after a fiasco-like qualification, she continues:
- Yes, I think so. Then, of course, it is difficult to say when we will meet this opposition. But these two matches have really felt like old Sweden. It's nice that we were able to show it off.
Confederation captain Tony Gustavsson also says that the results against Lithuania should not be overestimated:
- But we also shouldn't underestimate when we do things well.
- The best thing is cohesion, identity and a clear game idea. There we have laid the foundation for a continued playoff that will be significantly tougher than this one.
Scotland, who defeated the Czech Republic 5-2 on aggregate in their first play-off stage, are led by Australian national team captain Melissa Andreatta.
It is a familiar face for Tony Gustavsson.
- We worked together for four years in Australia (where Gustavsson was previously the national team captain). If there's any coach who knows me inside and out, it's her. So it will be a match within the match, he says.
Just like a number of Swedish stars, many Scottish players live in England on a daily basis.
- We know many players, says Swedish Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius.
What do you need to improve further?
- In these two matches, there has been a lot of attacking play against a low-ranking Lithuania, it will look different against Scotland. But we want to be a strong team in our defensive game as well.
Swedish team captain Nathalie Björn is looking forward to meeting Chelsea teammate Erin Cuthbert.
The players were heard after the national team's first match, where both made a comeback after injuries. Then it was "just love", says Björn. But the WC playoff will be something else:
- Then there will be no love at all!
- Then it will be a fight. It's fun.
Scotland have only reached the World Cup once (2019, out of the group stage). Sweden are the reigning bronze medalists. The teams have met seven times, all matches have ended with blue-yellow victory.
- Now it will be clear if we go to the WC - and that's what everyone wants, says Angeldahl.
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