The left-handed 24-year-old was named the tournament's most valuable player in both the European Championships last year (Russian silver) and the 2016 Olympics, when Russia took gold. She and half of the players in the Russian squad play in Rostov-Don and by many good players the right-wing nian Vjachireva is considered the best.

- She is very good at keeping distance so she is difficult to get hold of, difficult to lock, says Signell. She is not big, but she is very skilled at keeping the fit and shot arms free and has very nice split vision.

Leads assistant league

Vjachireva leads the World Cup's assist with 21 passes in four matches. Yesterday, she also scored four goals against Japan but also rested some before the match against Sweden.

"It will be a difficult match," says the Russian after the match against Japan. They have a lot of experience, it will be a very interesting match I think. We play in a similar way so it gets tough.

What are your favorites?

- I do not want to answer that, says Vjachireva evasively.