STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden manager Jan Andersson and his players have stunned pundits at home by overcoming some sizeable hurdles to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, beating Italy in a thrilling playoff to make it to the finals for the first time since 2006. When Andersson replaced Erik Hamren after a disappointing Euro 2016 exit at the group stage, few expected him to be able to turn around the Swedish ship so quickly, especially given the number of players who quit the team. The 1-0 aggregate win against four-times world champions Italy was the high point so far for Andersson, his tactically-astute gameplan perfectly executed by a squad lacking household names but with plenty of heart. In Ibrahimovic's absence, RB Leipzig winger Emil Forsberg has inherited the number 10 shirt and shouldered much of the creative burden, scoring four goals in qualifying. Regardless of whether he returns or not, the Swedes have shown in qualifying that they will not be afraid of a tough draw.

Source: The Star November 23, 2017 00:00 UTC