Sweden is careful not to underestimate Belgium in the quarterfinals of the European Championship 2022
Sweden are heavy favorites ahead of their quarter-final in the European Championship 2022 against Belgium on Friday night, but are anxious not to underestimate an opponent who has already received a shock for getting this far.
Belgium are only competing in their second major international tournament ever – their debut was a withdrawal from the group stage at the European Championships 2017 – and were the lowest ranked team in Group D before it started.
But they got off to a decent start with a draw against Iceland, were then barely defeated by a strong France team and finally beat Italy to advance to the quarterfinals.
Sweden came to the European Championships 2022 as the highest ranked European team in the world and among those who wanted to go all the way after consecutive Olympic silver medals in recent years, as well as third place at the World Cup 2019.
The Swedes also finished the group game in style with a 5-0 win against Portugal. Still, Peter Gerhardsson’s side takes nothing for granted.
“I think they seem like a very well-trained team,” said Magdalena Eriksson about Belgium, via UEFA.
“I think they played as a team and especially through every third of the pitch you could see that they had a clear game idea. I was very impressed that even though they played against Italy, who were perhaps higher ranked, you could see that they had their idea and they agreed to it.
“They really look like a strong collective.”
Fridolina Rolfo said that it is Sweden’s responsibility to “live up to” their tag as favorites and insists that she will not underestimate Belgium because all teams in the quarterfinals have proven their level.
“[Being favourites] is something we have to learn to deal with, “she said.” We have come here with the attitude that we want to go far and we must also show it. Now we have to live up to it. We want to fight for the medals so it is necessary that we win this match and prove what we can do.
“For myself, I find it very difficult to underestimate [Belgium] when you are in a quarter final. There are no bad teams left and Belgium has really surprised. They did not have an easy group and still managed to finish second, so for me there is no underestimation. “
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