Sweden

[Vic]

This is the third time in a row that we’ve been drawn in the same group as the Americans – we’re starting to get to know each other well! In addition, their coach is Swedish, and is also a good friend of mine. But as far as the World Cup is concerned, friendships sometimes have to be put on hold for 90 minutes. Korea DPR are a strong team too, with experience of top-level events such as this one. The same can’t be said of Colombia, given that this will be their first World Cup appearance. I’m not saying that they will pose less of a threat, but they do appear to be the group’s weakest team on paper. As we currently occupy fourth place in the world rankings, we’ll be aiming to reach the semi-finals at least.

~Thomas Dennerby, Sweden coach

[terpfan68]

If Sweden is ranked 4th, what kept them from getting top seed? Why was Japan (ranked 5th) given it?

[Vic]

Because you cannot have two confederations in the same group, and the best draw arrangement was to put all the UEFA nations in one pot so they went one per group. Germany as the hosts were the one exception.