Sweden will be looking to improve on its skills in its upcoming matches following a loss during the first game in Group A of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup underway.
The European team lost to North Korea 2-0 on Sunday, November 13 at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby.
Sweden head coach Calle Barrling said after the match that his team needs to improve on their attacking skills in order to score goals.
Barrling explained that the Swedish women defended very well in their opening match however the North Koreans were very skillful in their attacking.
“North Korea is a very good team and probably besides Japan they’re big favorites in the tournament.
“We unfortunately were not that skillful to score and the players got too anxious in their defending which stressed them out.
“We really have to improve on our defense and skills before our next match,” Barrling said.
Sweden takes on home side Papua New Guinea in the second round on Wednesday, November 16 at the SJG stadium.
PNG also lost in their World Cup opener to Brazil 9-0.
PNG coach Lisa Cole said, “We need to do a better job especially against Sweden on Wednesday or we will be in big trouble.”
Meantime, Barrling said his players have settled in well adapting to the environment despite the very humid weather.
“We’ve been very welcomed, you’re very friendly people and we appreciate that everyone including the fans are very supportive and so we’re enjoying our stay here,” he said.