World Cup 2018: 5 Major Takeaways from the Group Stage

#4 Anyone missing Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Not Sweden!

Zlatan who?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic might not be playing in the World Cup with Sweden, but he made sure his presence was felt. In an interview, he said, "I can play better than this Sweden team."

This is what Ibrahimovic said before Sweden's all-important must-win match against Mexico. Well, that didn't age well. Or maybe this gave the team a push to prove their former player wrong.

Since Ibrahimovic has retired, Sweden have had quite a run. They stopped Italy and Holland from qualifying, nearly drew against Germany, and topped the group to advance to the knockout stages.

With no Ibrahimovic in the team, the players look more focused, play more as a team, are united and focused.