What: Denmark–Sweden, World Cup qualifiers, women’s football, group A1.
Where: Odense Stadium, Denmark.
When: Friday, kick-off 7:15 p.m.
TV/radio: SVT/P4 Radio Sporten.
Conditions: Denmark leads the qualifying group with two games left to play, one point ahead of Sweden and three points ahead of Italy. Only the group winner will qualify directly for the World Cup in Brazil next year. If Denmark wins on Friday, Sweden’s chances of a direct spot are gone. A draw could theoretically be enough, but Sweden needs to win to have the decision in their own hands before the final against Italy next week. Serbia can no longer reach first place.
Play-offs: It is already clear that the second-, third- and fourth-placed teams in the group will play play-offs for additional World Cup places this autumn.
Swedish uncertainty 1: Who will get a chance in defence? Elma Junttila Nelhage was forced to withdraw last week, while Nathalie Björn remains out of the squad due to injury. This means that Sweden needs to reshuffle the centre-back position once again.
Swedish uncertainty 2: Can Felicia Schröder play? The Häcken star suffered a knock in the women’s Swedish championship this weekend. She was training when the national team gathered, but Rebecka Blomqvist has been called up as a possible replacement.
Danish question marks: Star player Pernille Harder is suffering from a muscle injury and was unsure at the beginning of the week whether she would be back in time for the match against Sweden. Denmark is already missing two other key players in Janni Thomsen and Stine Sandbech.
Sweden’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Jennifer Falk, Zecira Musovic, Moa Edrud.
Defenders: Bella Andersson, Smilla Holmberg, Amanda Ilestedt, Hanna Lundkvist, Amanda Nildén, Sofia Reidy, Anna Sandberg.
Midfielders/forwards: Filippa Angeldahl, Anna Anvegård, Hanna Bennison, Stina Blackstenius, Evelyn Ijeh, Monica Jusu Bah, Rosa Kafaji, Beata Olsson, Fridolina Rolfö, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Felicia Schröder, Matilda Vinberg, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Rebecka Blomqvist.
National team captain: Tony Gustavsson.
Denmark squad:
Goalkeepers: Freja Thisgaard, Lene Christensen, Maja Bay Østergaard.
Defenders: Emma Færge, Frederikke Thøgersen, Isabella Obaze, Sara Holmgaard, Sara Thrige, Simone Boye, Sofie Svava, Stine Ballisager.
Midfielders/forwards: Josefine Hasbo, Kathrine Kühl, Mille Gejl Jensen, Olivia Holdt, Rikke Marie Madsen, Sofie Bredhaard, Sofie Junge, Amalie Vangsgaard, Caroline Møller, Cecilie Fløe, Cornelia Kramer, Pernille Harder.
National captain: Jacob Michelsen.
