The Swedes almost matched that
triumph four years later in Finland, but the Nordahl-less side fell to
the legendary Hungarian team of Ferenc Puskas before beating Germany in
the bronze medal match. The Blagult’s most recent Olympic appearance saw
them knocked out by Australia in the 1992 quarter-finals.
The Road to Rio:
Sweden
surprised the continent, and the wider footballing world in mid-2015,
by winning their first UEFA U-21 European Championship in the Czech
Republic. They were expected to struggle in a tough group, which
included five-time winners Italy, two-time champions England and 1994
runners-up Portugal, but Hakan Ericson’s side navigated their way
through with a win against the Azzurri, a defeat against the Three Lions
and a draw against the Seleção. Their second place in the group saw
them reach Rio 2016 and set up a mouth-watering semi-final with Nordic
neighbours Denmark. They dominated against the Danes, winning 4-1 to set
up a showdown with Portugal. A tense final against Rui Jorge’s side
ended goalless, with stopper Patrick Carlgren crowned the Swedish hero
after saving William Carvalho’s crucial spot kick.
Former stars
Herbert
Carlsson (1920), Sven Rydell (1924), Gunnar Nordahl (1948), Ingvar
Rydell (1952), Jan Hellstrom (1988), Thomas Brolin (1992)
The stat
19
– Sweden conceded 19 goals in their first four Olympics Men’s Football
Tournament matches before they managed a win, a comprehensive 9-0
victory against Greece in 1920.
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