Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is wearing a face mask on the football pitch because of a broken nose. He got a headbutt on his nose during training, but his nose looks completely okay now with the swelling gone down and almost all bruises gone. Lindelöf has gotten used to wearing the mask, though his wife Maja said she couldn't even look at him when he forgot it.
His family is coming to Valencia to watch the playoff semifinal against Ukraine, adding personal significance to the match. At 31 years old, Lindelöf says this is most likely his last chance to play in another World Cup, making the upcoming game crucial for his international career. The playoff semifinal against Ukraine is played on neutral ground in Valencia, according to reports.
It was about one and a half weeks ago. The day before the Europa League match against Lille, I got a headbutt on my nose during training.
If Sweden wins against Ukraine, they advance to the playoff final where the winner between Poland and Albania awaits. The playoff final will be played at home on Tuesday if Sweden wins, as noted by sources. Sweden secured a World Cup spot against Italy in 2017 but missed the World Cup in 2022 due to a loss against Poland, highlighting the high stakes of this qualification campaign.
It would mean everything. I don't think I will get the chance to play another World Cup, I am really looking forward to the match.
It's a bit special of course. But it has been one and a half weeks now with the mask, I have gotten used to it.
I got a headbutt right on my nose. But it looks completely okay now. The swelling has gone down and almost all bruises are gone, so it feels good anyway.
It's really fun. It's rare that they are at away matches so it's very fun. The boys are really looking forward to it.
When it comes to the World Cup, it is absolutely my last chance. If I am around in four years, it is something that is not good for Swedish football.
A bit special but I have gotten used to it.
It's a bit special, of course. But it has become almost one and a half weeks with the mask. It works. I have gotten used to it.
It was the day before the match against Lille in the Europa League away. During training, I got a headbutt on my nose.
It looks completely okay now. It has settled and all bruises are almost gone. It feels good.
It is difficult to point to one specific thing. Against Italy, we defended ourselves completely fantastically well and managed to keep a clean sheet in two matches. We fought for our lives to get to the European Championship.
Against Poland, we were a bit sloppy as I remember it. But it is difficult to say exactly what decides. But you must have a strong foundation, know what you want to do, and be psychologically ready.