The football teams in the Olympics are small, only 18 players (plus four reserves) can go to Tokyo.

And when you start counting on it, it quickly becomes clear that there are very few openings in the Swedish national team.

Provided that injuries or other unplanned events do not put a stop to Peter Gerhardsson, the Swedish national team captain probably has most of the squad ready for him.

But a couple of places still feel open, and Gerhardsson has a lot to think about before Tuesday's presentation.


A possible main concern is whether he really has room for both Madelen Janogy and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

Both give Gerhardsson speed, technique and impact in the offensive edge game, not least in the one-on-one game, and both did well in the last two internationals before the squad.

Janogy in goal form

But it is doubtful whether it is possible to push both into the 18-man squad.


- It is always difficult to know, it is Peter who makes the decision.

I still think I have done what I could, I have gone out and driven and tried to show who I am.

Then we will see how far it goes, says Janogy.

- I think I have taken the chance and shown who I am and what I stand for.

I get to many good situations and get a lot out of what I am good at, says Rytting Kaneryd.

If Gerhardsson prioritises goal shooting, it is Janogy's advantage, who has scored goals in Hammarby during the spring, while Rytting Kaneryd has had the heaviest in Häcken.

In the international matches against Norway and Australia, the latter also had many chances to find the net without success.

At the same time, the national team captain has pointed out that versatility is worth its weight in gold in an Olympic squad.

And that speaks rather for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

- Absolutely.

I have a history of being able to play in different positions, actually all three offensive positions, possibly with the exception of the "ninth", but also as a wingback.

So before the Olympics, it is always good to be able to be used in several positions, says Rytting Kaneryd.

Waiting for IOC message

But there are other things that can influence Gerhardsson's decision.

One of these is if Sweden is granted its appeal to also be allowed to include the four reserves in the main squad, and not just as a result of injuries to regular players.

There, they are still waiting for information from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

- I think that would be logical.

Because there are 22 of us there.

I hope that a logical decision is made from a medical point of view.

We will play in a huge heat and we will play very close.

It can be six matches with only three days apart all the way, so the logic says so, says Peter Gerhardsson.

Such a message, if it comes before Tuesday's squad revelation, could change which players are taken out.

- In detail, it can actually be so. It is a factor that can influence, in terms of positions and so on. If you know that you can only replace someone due to injury, then you may need to think more about having a player in each team section (as a reserve). Otherwise you can back up in a slightly different way, maybe, says Gerhardsson.