Sweden 1-1 Spain: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | European Qualifiers 2019/20

#2 Sweden execute their game-plan to the tee

Sweden were nearly rewarded for their exemplary tactical plan

A few days prior, Spain had been pegged back by Norway late in the game, thereby providing enough hope to Sweden as the hosts looked to rattle the Spanish cage.

However, the home side got off to the worst possible start as the visitors dominated the early exchanges and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. Moreover, Sweden could’ve found themselves a goal or two down, had Olsen not been at his sharpest.

Yet, after riding the early storm, the hosts showcased exemplary tactical acumen to wrestle control and also mount a considerable threat.

At times, Sweden defended quite narrowly, meaning that Spain were accorded an astounding amount of room on the flanks. On the night though, that ploy worked a charm, considering the visitors’ lack of a goal-scoring forward. In the process, the Spaniards played several crosses without really causing a flutter.

Additionally, the hosts were willing to let the away side have the ball in deep areas and pressurised them only after Sweden got back into shape. Consequently, they pinched numerous balls in midfield and barged through the Spanish defensive door.

Towards the end though, they started losing concentration and that aspect came to the fore as Spain snatched a late equaliser.

However, nothing could be taken away from the expert tactics Sweden used in Stockholm. After all, not only did they contain a side of Spain’s ilk, they also hatched an adequate plan to make a difference in attack.