Sweden National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (21) · Gunnar Nordahl (9) · Lennart Skoglund (10) · Kurt Hamrin (7) · Nils Liedholm (4) · Gunnar Gren (8) · Thomas Ravelli (1) · Glenn Hysen (3) · Björn Nordqvist (14) · Orvar Bergmark (2) · Glenn Strömberg (15)

Sweden seeks to control games through central dominance and verticality using a 3-5-2. This formation is built to dominate the middle of the pitch and use powerful forwards to punish teams. By packing the midfield, Sweden can secure the ball and create chances through direct passing or intricate combinations.

Thomas Ravelli guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back three consists of Björn Nordqvist, Glenn Hysen, and Orvar Bergmark. Nordqvist and Bergmark act as wide centre-backs who can cover the flanks, while Glenn Hysen sits central to win the header and command the area. This unit maintains a compact shape to prevent teams from playing through the middle, with the defenders ready to step up to squeeze the space when the opposition has the ball.

The midfield is the engine room of this Sweden lineup, utilizing a five man unit to control the tempo. Glenn Strömberg and Gunnar Gren act as the deep lying playmaker pairing to shield the defense and recycle possession. Nils Liedholm connects the defensive and attacking lines with his passing range, while Lennart Skoglund and Kurt Hamrin operate in the half spaces to drive forward with the ball. This group works to win it back high up the pitch and quickly move the ball into the final third.

The attack features a two man partnership of Gunnar Nordahl and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Gunnar Nordahl acts as a physical presence to hold up the ball and target crosses, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic uses his technical ability to drop deep or run in behind. They combine to stretch the defense, often using the width provided by the midfielders to find space. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball and create opportunities for the midfielders to arrive late into the box.

Sweden gains a clear tactical advantage through numerical superiority in midfield, which allows them to dominate possession in central areas. The ability to press in coordinated waves makes it difficult for opponents to build play from the back. Additionally, the pairing of Nordahl and Ibrahimovic creates a constant threat through both aerial strength and technical skill, making them hard to mark.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on a powerful central core to dictate the rhythm of the match. It is best suited for games against opponents who try to play through the middle or rely on a single striker.