– AP
The Netherlands are under a considerable amount of pressure to beat Sweden after blowing two leads in its draw against Japan.
Coach Ronald Koeman faced several pointed questions about strategy after the Japan game and shot back with cryptic replies.
“In the Netherlands we always have a lot of pressure,” Koeman said.
“I’ve spent a lot of years in football in the Netherlands as a player and a coach. Of course, there is some pressure but we’re used to that. I think that as the Netherlands we always have the support of our fans and hopefully we can celebrate three points tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Sweden put on a show in its 5-1 win over Tunisia, starting its World Cup with a flourish after not qualifying in 2022.
“It’s about how we perform and the mentality we have,” Sweden coach Graham Potter said.
“We know that we are a work in progress and we’re improving. We have to play better against a better opponent and I think we’re ready to do that.”