There was a seven-goal loss to Norway (32-25), who took the World Cup silver two years ago.

An expected loss for the Swedes in Japanese Fukuoka.

- to try to fit the passes better so that they do not get the contraptions, says Gulldén.

- In defense, it looks very good. I think we take a lot of balls so we get some simple rescues on it.

Became a mom this summer

The last time Gulldén played in the national team was in the European Championship just a year ago. Since then she has had a pregnancy break and in July she gave birth to her son Lias.

- It was fun to be back, it's always nice to play. But I have a bit left to the top form, I feel that. But it gets better and better, she says.

Sweden opens the World Cup on Saturday against Congo-Kinshasa and then meets China three days later. Then there will be tougher resistance with Japan, Argentina and Russia.

Norway pulled away

That the easiest matches on the paper come first thinks Gulldén is good.

- Then we can train a little harder now and have time to adjust a little, it's always positive. We are going to win the matches, and do that job too, but we can probably focus a little more on ourselves in the first two matches.

Against Norway, Sweden kept steady until 6–6, then Norway departed and had a seven-goal lead at break (19-12).

In the second half, Sweden played evenly with Norway (13-13) after picking up an eleven goal sub.

In the end Kristin Thorleifsdottir made a national team debut.