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Sweden manager Jan Andersson is not worried about criticism of his sides’ playing style after their 1-0 win over Slovakia put them on the edge of the round of 16 at the European Championships for the first time since 2004.
An austere game briefly came to life around the hour mark with a flurry of chances culminating with Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka knocking down substitute Robin Quaison to allow Emil Forsberg to end the 365-minute streak of the scoreless teams during the tournament.
Sweden won the game with just 42% possession, after drawing a draw against Spain in their Euro 2020 Group E opener with just 15%.
But Andersson shrugged off the criticism, saying in his post-game press conference: We have our way of playing football.
I don’t think it’s a good first half myself. But I think we’ve shown the way we want to play in the second half.
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We should have scored another goal in the second half and not have been stressed by the 1-0 lead.
Our defense was really good. We are really well organized and the players are sacrificing themselves for each other. Our offense should have more rewards, it was sometimes fantastic.
We’ve played seven games this year and only conceded one goal. If people think we’re difficult to play against, I’m happy with that.
The situation looks good, we have put ourselves in a good position.
The only player who illuminated an ordinary game was LaLiga Player of the Year, 21, Alexander Isak, who produced a deep weaving run that almost opened the scoring.
Isak was the standout player. He’s a huge talent, a young player who still has a lot to do but I think he can still grow, added Andersson.
He played a very good game. Sometimes Isak had to do things on his own and it is very impressive as a youngster to be so mature in the way he plays.
Slovakia’s lack of ambition has cost them dearly and coach Stefan Tarkovic is now hoping for a miracle against Spain in his last group game.
I’m optimistic. We will prepare in a very responsible manner and I’m sure we will show the same approach and attitude and then hopefully a little miracle against Spain, he said.
It is important to believe in our dreams and maybe to believe in miracles.
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