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Before the knockout stage against Nati, Swedish journalist Simon Norberg speaks of optimism and both teams.
SRF Sport: Twelve years ago, Sweden participated in a first knockout round for the World Cup for the last time. Russia is against Switzerland on Tuesday. What is the mood in Sweden?
Simon Norberg: The atmosphere is great and very optimistic. 2006, we were the last time at a World Cup and failed in the second round of Germany. After so many years, the feeling is even better. And the fact that we meet Switzerland and not Brazil makes people happy. For the Swiss, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schär are absent, which is certainly positive for Sweden. In addition, our team is currently in very good condition.
In Sweden, we are sure that it is a big problem for Switzerland, that Lichtsteiner and Schär are not present.
The Lichtsteiner and Schär blocked are expected replaced by Michael Lang and Johan Djourou. What do you know about these players?
In Sweden, the Premier League is extremely popular. So many people know Djourou of his time at Arsenal. But here, we do not believe that it represents a threat to us. In Sweden, we are sure that it is a big problem for Switzerland that Lichtsteiner and Schär are not there.
How does the Swedish media view the team's chances?
In the media, we are a bit worried because the Swiss are so hard to beat. They have lost only one of their last 25 games. Everyone knows that it is a very strong team and that worries a lot of journalists.
People who do not come from Sweden or Switzerland will probably not like the game.
What kind of game do you expect against Switzerland?
I believe that there will be a match with little chance of scoring. These are two very disciplined teams with a good defense. People who do not come from Sweden or Switzerland will probably not like the game. I think it will be rather unspectacular.
Where do you see the greatest strengths of Sweden resp. the Swiss?
The biggest strength of Sweden is the team. All players give one hundred percent. Until recently, we still had Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Such a star no longer exists, just a team. The atmosphere is excellent and everyone gives everything for the other. Switzerland is the same for me. And they have a well-honed team with a good defense and are very hard to beat.
Who are the main players of both teams?
Emil Forsberg is a big star in Sweden. At the World Cup, however, he did not really come on tour. But we believe his best time in the tournament will come. For me, Xherdan Shaqiri is the great figure of Switzerland
Which team wins and qualifies for the quarter-finals?
I think the game is not over after 120 minutes and that there is a penalty shot. Of course, I hope that Sweden will win in the end. But it will certainly be very, very hard.
Broadcasting: Current coverage of the World Cup on SRF
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