Why Sweden could be one to watch at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023?

Caroline Seger and her team will look for a first World Cup triumph

Sweden will play in their ninth FIFA Women's World Cup. The European nation have made an appearance in every tournament and missed out on a chance to win the 2003 edition. In 2019, the Swedes finished third in the overall standings.

This year they will head into the tournament as one of the favourites. Australia and New Zealand host the FIFA Women's World Cup which will start on 20th July.

The USA are the defending champions and are looking for their third-consecutive crown. However, it won't be an easy task for them as some of the teams have gotten stronger over the years and are looking to dethrone Megan Rapinoe and her team.

Sweden women plan to lift their first-ever Women's World Cup. They have reached the knockout stage seven times and were only eliminated once from the group stage.

Peter Gerhardsson has chosen his 23-players for the squad. Caroline Seger will lead the line and play in their fifth World Cup. The team is a mix of youngsters and some experienced players. Let's look at some of the stats and facts that make this Swedish side a team to watch out for:

European club football experience in the Sweden squad

The Swedish Women's football team has a lot of European football experience. The 23-players who have been selected play in the top clubs in England, Sweden, Italy, Germany and France.

Players like Caroline Seger, Kosovare Asllani, Olivia Schough and Linda Sembrant have played over 100 international matches. They will rely on the creativity of AC Milan player Asllani. She is the highest goalscorer in the team with 44 in all competitions. She scored three times and created two in the 2019 World Cup.

Under Peter Gerhardsson's coaching since 2017

Peter Gerhardsson took over as the coach of the women's national team in 2017. Since then, they have played in one World Cup, UEFA Euro and Olympic games.

The team finished third in the World Cup, were semi-finalists in the Euro and won the silver medal in the Olympics. The 63-year-old has been working with the same players and his tactics will probably be in everyone's mind by now. This gives them an edge over some of the other teams.

Dominant attacking display in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifiers

Sweden Women qualified for the 2023 World Cup with seven wins and one draw. They were unbeaten and scored 32 goals in eight games, averaging four goals per game. The defence was strong and conceded only two goals.

Their biggest win margin was against Georgia. Gerhardsson's team scored 15 and conceded none in that game.

Sweden are in Group G alongside Argentina, Italy and South Africa. They are the clear favourites to win their group.

After a disappointing loss to England in the UEFA Women's Euro, Sweden will look to win their first Women's World Cup. They have experience in their squad to bring home the title. Sweden play their opener against South Africa Women.