The match will be played at the Serbian national team's training center, which is classified as a training pitch rather than a larger arena. According to Expressen Sport, Hanna Lundkvist described the decision as strange, noting that Sweden would never host such a match on a training pitch. The reason for using this venue instead of a larger arena in Serbia remains unclear, and it is unknown whether it will affect attendance or the match atmosphere.
Sweden arrives with momentum after beating Italy 1-0 in their first World Cup qualifier. Historically, Sweden faced Serbia twice during the 2024 European Championship qualifiers, winning 8-0 on aggregate but scoring only two goals away. Serbia features several players with Swedish connections: Vesna Milivojevic and Emma Petrovic play for Malmö FF in the Swedish women's league, and Jelena Canković, Serbia's biggest star, also has a past in Sweden.
If you get into her head, you can get her out of the game a bit.
Sweden arrived in Serbia on Friday and has not been able to see the pitch yet, though reports say the hybrid turf looks good. The exact condition and quality of the surface are unknown. According to Expressen Sport, Julia Zigiotti Olme described that if you get into Jelena Canković's head, you can take her out of the game, though how Sweden plans to specifically counter Serbia's tactical and physical play beyond this general strategy is not detailed.
According to Expressen Sport, Tony Gustavsson emphasized that performance is more important than uncontrollable conditions like the venue, focusing on aggressive defensive play. The current form and fitness of key Serbian players like Jelena Canković, Vesna Milivojevic, and Emma Petrovic are also unknown.
You might need to push a little extra in duels and stay tight and close on her. Get her to lose the ball a bit at the beginning.