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Sweden v Greece
European 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, Group B
Tuesday 12 October 2021
Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden
Kick-off at 20:45
Sweden face a must-win home clash in Group B of Europe’s 2022 World Cup Qualifiers when they welcome Greece to the Friends Arena in Solna on the evening of Tuesday 12 October 2021. Kick-off is at 20:45.
Sweden come into the October block of matches placed second in the standings behind Spain (nine points compared to the leaders’ 13), though they have played two fewer matches than the Iberian heavyweights. Before taking on Greece, the Swedes will host Kosovo on Saturday 9 October, meaning they could claim the group lead if they secure successive wins.
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The Blue and Yellow beat Spain 2-1 and then lost by the same score away to Greece in their September outings, leaving coach Janne Andersson hoping that they can find consistency in their quest to secure a berth at Qatar 2022. Yet he will have to do without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after the 40-year-old veteran pulled out after failing to full recover from a knee injury in time.
"Unfortunately, is not far enough in his recovery to be able to play in the next matches," Andersson said in a statement. "It's a shame for us, and a shame for Zlatan too of course."
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Greece, who will be away to Georgia on Saturday 9 October before taking on Sweden, will be looking to coach John van't Schip for inspiration, though the Dutchman continues to label Greek domestic football as having an “identity problem” as the ‘big five’ clubs – Panathinaikos, PAOK, AEK, Olympiacos and ARIS – routinely select only a handful of Greek eligible players between them week on week.
In head-to-head stats, Sweden and Greece have met in seven previous matches since 1981, with the Blue and Yellow claiming three wins compared to one for the Ethniki. The teams’ last meeting was in September 2021 in Athens, with Greece winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Tasos Bakasetas and Vangelis Pavlidis.
Sweden v Greece – Head-to-head
Matches played: 7
Sweden wins: 3
Greece wins: 1
Draws: 3
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