FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Tactical Analysis: Sweden vs United States

When Sweden and the United States were drawn together in Group F of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it felt like a severe case of déjà vu. This was the fifth consecutive edition of the tournament in which the two faced off in the first round. Each side has seen various spoils of the rivalry; in 2003, the United States defeated Sweden in the group stage, though the Scandinavians still reached the Final while the Americans only managed third place. In 2007, those exact roles were swapped. In 2015, they drew 0-0 in the group stage, which also happened to be the last World Cup match in which the United States failed to score, let alone win. In fact, Sweden is the only team the United States have lost to in the group stage in the entire history of the tournament. The 2016 Olympics were also of a sour note with the United States, as Sweden knocked out the tournament favourites on penalties in the quarterfinals.

Some sense of revenge may now be prevalent for the United States as they defeated Sweden 0-2 in the 2019 World Cup. Manager Jill Ellis and company won the final match of the group stage. This tactical analysis will showcase how the United States did so with a technically superior advantage, despite the aggressive tactics of the opposition.

Lineups

Swedish manager Peter Gerhardsson made a number of changes to his starting eleven after a 5-1 victory over Thailand in round two. Most notably, he made three changes to the back line, including choosing to sit defensive stalwart Nilla Fischer. Captain Caroline Seger retained her place in the defensive midfield, as did Kosovare Asllani. Winger Sofia Jakobsson and striker Stina Blackstenius rejoined Asllani in the attacking phase after sitting out against Thailand.

The United States meanwhile made only one personnel change compared to their starting lineup in round one: defensive midfielder Julie Ertz was held off the pitch with a minor hip injury. Ertz is a key, irreplaceable figure in Ellis’ team, and her absence was evident throughout this match. That said, Lindsey Horan did a more than respectable job in the central midfield. Full-backs Kelley O’Hara and Crystal Dunn also played vital roles in the United States’ performance, and a front three of Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe rounded out the attack. Carli Lloyd and Christen Press provided fresh legs off the bench.