Sweden national under-21 football team

The Swedish U-21 national football team is a national team of Swedish football player. It is subject to the Svenska Fotbollförbundet and represents him on the U-21 level, in friendly matches against the national teams of other national associations, but also at the European Championships of the continental federation UEFA. Be eligible, players who have not yet completed their 21 years of age and have the Swedish nationality. In tournaments, the age at first qualifier is relevant.

History

The Swedish U- 21 was established in 1976. This was due to the reorganization and regulation of the UEFA this year, which lowered the age limit from 23 to 21 down. Previously, there was already an U- 23, in which lie the origins of today's U- 21 team.

In 1986, the Swedish team failed to qualify for the first time for the final round and the quarterfinals of the European Championship. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the second leg was lost to eventual finalists Italy 1-2.

Four years later, at the European Championships in 1990, succeeded the Scandinavians, the second time to participate in a final round. In the quarterfinals, the team met on Czechoslovakia. In the first comparison, the team won 2-1. In the return leg at home stadium the game was 4-0 and won the semi-finals will be achieved for the first time. Opponent in round 2 was the Soviet Union. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the second comparison 0:2 was lost and missed the final.

Two years later the Swedes succeeded then the surprise: After yet happy prevailed in the quarterfinals by a 1:2 and a 1:0 and moved to the next round only because of the away goals rule, was in the semifinals of Scotland with a total score of 1-0 conquered. In the final, the team then Italy came over. For both, it would have been the first title. The first leg lost the northern Europeans with 0:2. Although the return match was won 1-0, but the final victory and the trophy were missed anyway.

Until 1998, the Swedish Federation had to wait before the U- 21 team was able to attend a European Championship again. But in the quarter- finals was over and they lost 0-1 against neighbors Norway. In the match for 5th place should be played against Germany. Also, this game was not won, so that the EM was considered in 1998 as a disappointment.

For the U -21 Football Championship 2004 in Germany, Sweden could qualify after two missed qualifications. Along with hosts Germany, Switzerland and Portugal they were drawn into Group B. The opening game against Portugal won the yellow and blues 3-1. Johan Elmander headed there with his double strike after a 0-1 behind a the turn. On the second day there came to the encounter with the U- 21 team of the DFB. Jon Jönsson and Johan Elmander took the northern Europeans a 2-0 lead. Benjamin Auer's first goal in the 84th minute came too late, so that the second game was won and based on the results of the other teams already the draw was made the semifinals perfect. But even in the last game against the juniors from Switzerland, Sweden gave no nakedness and won 3-1. Coach Torbjörn Nilsson was doing the second set, the chance to offer itself. Markus Rosenberg in the previous two games, only a substitute, scoring two goals. As a semi-final opponents the team faced in Oberhausen Niederrheinstadion Serbia on June 5, 2004. Already in the 36th minute brought Babis Stefanidis his Swedish team in the lead. Only in injury time of regular play, the Serbs were able to compensate by Milos Maric. At the end of the penalty shootout had to decide. Stefanidis, who met previously been in the regular season, missed it from the penalty spot. In the match for 3rd place was preliminary round competitor Portugal for the second time opponents during the tournament. Johan Elmander brought the Swedes in the lead before Hugo Viana and Jorge Ribeiro, the Portuguese brought to cheer. Shortly before the end could Markus Rosenberg, loaded only in the 89th minute, again to compensate. In the extension then chose a hit Carlitos the game in favor of the Southern Europeans.

At the end of the tournament, Johan Elmander has secured together with the Italian Alberto Gilardino top scorer of the competition.

After the tournament in Germany, the team of Tommy Söderberg was taken.

In the qualifying group for the U-21 Euro 2006, the team missed the part and had to defer to the teams from Croatia and Hungary. Especially bitter were doing two defeats against Iceland, which then meant also the corner. Against the second-placed the group, Hungary, the yellow and blues won both games.

Since, according to the 2006 European Championships in 2007, the next European Championship, and as usual should not take place every two years, this qualification has been played in a summary trial. Starting with a preliminary round, over a short group stage with three teams and play- off matches. Sweden needed only to go into the group stage. In group 11, they were drawn against Macedonia and Denmark. There was only one game against each team, so that the teams away and once had home advantage once each. Sweden won both games and moved thereby into the play - offs, where the team met with Serbia. The first leg was clearly won 3-0, but Northern Europeans disappointed with their home leg and were downright outclassed by a 0:5 defeat.

As host of the U- 21 team went to at the European Championships in 2009 and therefore did not need to qualify. As a group, the team moved into the second semi-final. After the English U- 21 team there might play out a 3-0 lead, succeeded in Sweden with two Torerfolgen the later scorer Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen a goal to force overtime. After these remained scoreless, penalty kicks decided in favor of the British.

Participation in U-21 European Championships

Coach

( incomplete)

  • Torbjörn Nilsson (2002-2004)
  • Tommy Söderberg (2004-2010)
  • Claes Eriksson (since 2010)

Former player and well-known

(Selection)

Umbro Miloš Marić
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