People often mix up Sweden and Switzerland. In 2018, there should be no question about what team is the dominant nation when it comes to important stuff, such as team sports. The two nations have faced each other in the Olympic Hockey, the Hockey World Championship and lately, the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. Sweden has won each game, leading to another gold medal in the World Championship, and an advancement to the quarter final of the FIFA World Cup.
Sweden vs Switzerland: Ice Hockey
Sweden has become a nightmare for Swiss ice hockey. Zürich is one of our favorite places to play the Hockey World Championship with golds both in 1987 and 1998. We have eliminated Switzerland numerous times, like in the 2006 Olympics in Torino where Switzerland managed to win their group, only to be eliminated in the quarterfinal. Sweden later won the Olympic gold that year. In the 2013 Hockey World Championship, Switzerland reached their first final ever, only to be defeated by Sweden. In 2018, history repeat itself, with a Swedish final win in the shootout in the final. Although we hope to see Switzerland go all the way some day, it won’t be against Team Sweden. Earlier this year, Sweden also beat Switzerland in the group stage of the Olympic games. However, both teams were eliminated by Team Germany in the playoffs.
Sweden vs Switzerland: Football
Before the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup, Switzerland had only 2 losses in 25 games. In the group stage they managed to play a 1-1 tie against Brazil, finishing 2nd in their group. However, in the playoff game against Sweden, the Swiss attack was effectively neutralized. A disciplined Swedish defensive 4-4-2 lineup stood firm, as we have done so many times before. Emil Forsberg’s 1-0 in the beginning of the second half was enough for a victory and a place among the top eight teams in the world who will play the quarterfinals.
Although no official rivalry exists between our nations, Sweden has surely become a nightmare opponent for Switzerland when it comes to team sports. Read more about the difference between Sweden and Switzerland.
