After a big victory with 35-23 in the quarter against Qatar yesterday, the giant France is now waiting in Friday's semifinal which starts at 17.30, Swedish time.
Swedish star Niclas Ekberg, everyday in Kiel, Germany, has followed the championship from home.
- It is fantastic.
Very strong to produce the results they have made.
I have seen as much as I could of Sweden's matches and it looks very bright, he says on the phone to SVT Sport just before a training session with the club team.
- Sweden will punish many teams if they get to this defensive game and run as they have done.
Then not many teams are involved.
"No surprise to me"
In the quarterfinals against Qatar yesterday, it was even in the first half and the team was followed to 9-9 before Sweden went to the break with a four-ball lead, 14-10.
In the second half, the numbers ran away.
- Sweden came in a shoal and scored many quick goals.
It went incredibly fast and Sweden really took advantage of the chances.
I think they had 12-2 at the beginning of the second half, says Ekberg.
Are you surprised by the semi-final place? Our expert Magnus Grahn thinks that Sweden has "exceeded all expectations".
- Surprised, I do not know.
Sweden has very, very good players who play in good teams.
Some well-known players have disappeared, but most of the team plays in the Bundesliga or in other leagues in Europe.
That way, it's no surprise to me.
- On the other hand, it should work in the championship as well and the players should be in good shape.
They really seem to have gotten a flow into the team.
CLIP: Grahn: "Exceeded all expectations"
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Grahn: "Exceeded all expectations" Photo: Bildbyrån
"France has looked human"
Niclas Ekberg believes that Sweden has the capacity to disturb France, which, however, enters as favorites in tomorrow's semi-final.
- France has a star-studded team and is strong, but they have still looked human.
If Sweden continues on the beaten path, I think the French will find it difficult and annoying to run all the time.
For Sweden, it is important to stop the French's individual quality, especially on the nine-meter line.
How do you think the match will end?
- My heart says that Sweden wins with three balls.
"Want to wear the yellow shirt again"
Family reasons and the general world situation with corona made Ekberg himself say no to the World Cup.
But he says he is eager for a comeback in the national team in the future.
- Absolutely, it's me.
I have not closed any door at all.
If the circumstances suit, I absolutely want to put on the yellow shirt again.
CLIP: See the highlights from Sweden's WC quarter final
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Sweden is on to the World Cup semi-finals Photo: Bildbyrån