Sweden go into the Japan match (Friday 26th, 01:00 CEST) knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the Round of 32, that a draw will almost certainly be enough, and even a narrow defeat could see them through as one of the best third-placed sides.
There is still reason for Blagult fans to be optimistic, a view shared by striker Gyokeres: "There is one match left in the group. So we just have to make sure we win it and things will look good again. It will be a fun match to play, and a lot is at stake. It will be fun," said the Arsenal man.
Fun, but also a tough match lies in wait for Sweden; Japan not only matched Graham Potter's side by beating Tunisia by four goals, but went toe-to-toe with the Netherlands in a 2-2 draw.
"We know that Japan is a very good team. It will take a good performance to beat them," said midfielder Benjamin Nygren, who is relishing the position his team finds itself in ahead of the final group game.
"We have everything in our own hands and it's up to us whether we advance or not. Before the World Cup, it was the seat you wanted to be in before the last match."
Lucas Bergvall has come off the bench in both of Sweden's matches so far and is one of a handful of players pushing for a start against Japan. The midfielder is dreaming of a first World Cup start, but has faith in the decision Potter makes, and in his teammates.
"We know what kind of team we have and what qualities we have. We have to level up and improve our defence. But we still have a lot to play for. We have much bigger ambitions than this," said the Tottenham Hotspur man.
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