Ludwig Augustinsson prepares for the Mexico match

The final matchday of the group phase could hardly be more excitingly poised. The Scandinavians currently lie in third place with three points, behind Mexico and Germany. However, Ludwig Augustinsson and Co. are equal on points and goals with die Mannschaft. Should both teams lose 1-0, it will go down to fair play points and if finally the drawing of lots as the last resort. However, Ludde isn’t interested: “Our aim has always been to beat Mexico and subsequently qualify. We have focussed on our side of the draw, virtually since the situation was clear to us.” The Swedes are as confident as before; the defeat to Germany did not affect the result needed against Mexico.

Our self confidence is high and our self-belief, strong

But are their heads hanging low? Absolutely not! Coach Janne Andersson has been a motivating source of inspiration, reminding the team of their many successes in the recent past. “Our self confidence is high and our self-belief strong. We beat Italy in the playoffs, we beat France in qualifying. We can do it. I think that we’re good enough to beat Mexico and book our place in the knockout phase”, said Augustinsson.

Back to the mathematics: A win against Mexico would see them through, regardless of the score. A draw would only be enough if Germany themselves draw against South Korea and have a worse goal difference. Even if Sweden lost to Mexico, they could still go through if die Mannschaft were defeated by the Koreans heavily enough to give Sweden a superior goal difference. All loud and clear?