World Cup 2022: The Swedes Won’t Make Friends With the Czechs at Solna

Sweden vs Czech Republic

A huge World Cup 2022 fixture is happening between Sweden and Czech Republic this Thursday at the Friends Arena, and it’s something that neither side will easily concede given the high stakes involved.

Both nations are two consecutive games away from securing their spot in Qatar for the actual World Cup, including this must-win game. And the winner this Thursday will have to go through Poland on March 29.

Sweden and Czech Republic haven’t faced each other on international competitions in quite some time. The former has the upper hand according to the SBOTOP pre-match betting odds and the fact that the hosts have a healthier group also reinforces this notion.

But the Czechs have shown over these last few years that they aren’t backing down from any challenge, and it makes you wonder on whether they can spring another surprise.

Talking Points

Sweden not letting this opportunity go

Janne Andersson’s side has arguably been one of the most disappointing sides here in the qualifiers.

They had a solid start in 2021 where they’ve won nine of their 11 games and have progressed to as far as the last 16 of Euro 2020. But after that, they suffered a poor run of form that has forced them to settle for the play-offs.

They were in a great spot in Group B, but defeats against Spain, Greece, and Georgia have put them in the position they’re in now.

Fortunately for Janne Andersson, he has a full squad to choose from – which includes a bevy of talented players from young to old.

Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak is in form as he has scored three goals in his past six international appearances, and he’ll be backed by Dejan Kulusevski, Emil Forsberg, and debutant Anthony Elanga.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also been called up by Sweden and he’ll play a vital role as one of the team’s renowned veterans, although he’ll be suspended for this match. Meanwhile, marshalling the back are the likes of Victor Lindelof and Ludwig Augustinsson.

Czech Republic’s big guns are out

Czech Republic have also been a disappointing side here in the qualifiers as they were unable to build on their surprising Euro 2020 campaign where they went to as far as the quarter-finals.

Four wins, two draws, and two defeats weren’t enough for the Czechs to secure their berth from Group E, with Wales and Belgium leading the pack.

It doesn’t help either that they won’t have a full squad to choose from ahead of this contest. Patrik Schick is dealing with a calf injury and his 17 goals in 33 appearances will be hard to replace. Meanwhile, Jaroslav Silhavy’s entire first-choice defence from last year’s Euro 2020 is also unavailable.

Antonin Barak and Matej Vydra are to lead their frontline and will have to play beyond themselves, while Tomas Vaclik will have a tougher time manning between the sticks with inadequate cover at centre-half.

History

The international games between Sweden and Czech Republic have only come few and far between. They’ve only faced each other three times where the Swedes have the slight edge with one victory, while the other two ended in draws.

There have been a handful of goals whenever they meet up and it’s likely that such trend will continue, although we might see the Swedes secure a clean sheet against the Czechs on Thursday.

Sweden and Czech Republic’s previous meeting was an international friendly at the Friends Arena back in 2016 where the game ended with a 1-1 scoreline as Marcus Berg and Matej Vydra each found the back of the net.

Don’t be fooled by the name of Sweden’s home stadium called the Friends Arena since their home record hasn’t been exactly friendly against their visitors. Sweden have won their last nine matches in Solna, scoring 18 goals and conceding just four.

Betting Tip

Sweden are favoured by the World Cup 2022 odds for this upcoming matchup. They are installed at 2.85 to win, while Czech Republic are priced at 4.60 and a draw is at 1.89 in the 1X2 market.

The Swedes are likely to score the goals and World Cup 2022 highlights for this contest given their array of talented frontmen compared to what the Czechs have as of the moment, so we’re inclined to recommend going for Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.85 as an alternative bet. While another competitive matchup is expected here, in the end, the Swedes should move on and face Poland next week for another do-or-die contest.

 

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