AUCKLAND, New Zealand — As Abba’s “Mamma Mia” rang out around Eden Park, the Swedish players walked around the perimeter of the stadium, waving, smiling, dancing. Sweden had knocked out the last remaining former Women’s World Cup champion, Japan, out of this tournament, clearing the way for a new winner.
It was a smart and gritty 2-1 win on Friday, too, with Sweden’s press and physicality wilting the beautiful possession football Japan had displayed up to this point. But as much as this Sweden team is about tactics and execution, it’s also about the vibes.
“We push each other at practice, and we really have fun outside the field,” said forward Sofia Jakobsson. “I just think we have a good chemistry in the group.”
