Following his rival Robin Olsen’s outburst and retirement from international football, Viktor Johansson is now unquestionably Sweden’s number one. Johansson and Olsen have been fighting for Sweden’s first pick under Jon Dahl Tomasson, and the manager trusted the latter because of his track record before last month’s World Cup qualifying matches against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Yet, as they drew with Slovenia, Olsen had a stinker and committed a major error that resulted in a goal. He was called this week to explain that Johansson would be selected for the next games against Switzerland and Kosovo, but he kept his spot for the team’s 2-0 loss to Kosovo.
“I sat at the meeting a month ago with Jon Dahl Tomasson, and he said that I am number one, that I should be the first custodian,” Olsen told Aftonbladet after it did not go well. I made a mistake against Slovenia, as everyone is aware, and it is never enjoyable.
Stoke City star gets world cup boost in Sweden team
“I sat at the meeting a month ago with Jon Dahl Tomasson, and he said that I am number one, that I should be the first custodian,” Olsen told Aftonbladet after it did not go well. I made a mistake against Slovenia, as everyone is aware, and it is never enjoyable.
“Of course, you know that Olsen has decided to resign,” he remarked. I am dissatisfied with Robin’s response; rather than standing with his comrades, he has publicly voiced his displeasure, disappointing them.
Johansson, who is enjoying a fantastic season at Stoke City, won’t be impacted by the drama, according to Tomasson. “Viktor is really calm and has a positive attitude,” he remarked. At his club, he is accustomed to pressure every week. He will continue to act in the same manner that he has for the past 12 months.
With all four teams having played twice, Sweden is presently in third place in qualifying Group B, two points behind Kosovo and five behind Switzerland. While the team in second place advances to the second round of the playoffs, the team in first place automatically qualifies for the World Cup next summer. Next month, this qualifying phase will come to an end.
