Sweden's Olympic day of destiny

Sweden's women arrived at Tokyo 2020 with a bang, beating reigning world champions USA 3-0.

And with five wins, 13 goals and eight different scorers from their five games so far, plus their 90s rave luminous yellow shirts, there's plenty to like about the team which could secure a long-awaited global football triumph in the Olympic final against Canada on Friday (6 August).

Sweden were second to Germany at Rio 2016, were 2003 World Cup runners-up, 2019 World Cup bronze medallists, and have made the semi-finals of both competitions four times.

The belief is there that they can finally make that leap onto the top of the podium in Tokyo.

Their Olympic run is part of a progressive trend for the Swedes: unbeaten in 11 matches in 2021, the blågult have racked up nine wins and two draws, scoring three goals or more on six occasions.

Right now, they have the perfect blend of youth and experience, pace and pressing, attack and defence, with a Scandinavian unity that has made them unstoppable.

Now only Canada stand in the way of a first major title that's been a long time coming.

Sweden women's football team players to watch

The Swedish squad is crammed with world-class talent:

Magdalena Eriksson, Zećira Mušović, and Jonna Andersson won the Women's Super League and made the Champions League final with Chelsea last season.

Goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl is Atletico Madrid's No.1, and defender Amanda Ilestedt helped Bayern Munich to their first league title in five years before joining PSG last month.

Then there's playmaker Kosovare Asllani, the woman they call 'The Queen' at Real Madrid.

At the Olympic Games, Sweden's attacking play has really caught the eye with the front three of Stina Blackstenius, Sofia Jakobsson, and Fridolina Rolfö combining for seven goals.

Blackstenius' two-goal haul in that 3-0 opening win over the USA prompted an international storm with worldwide internet searches off the charts.

It's been brilliant for Sweden, and even better for women's football on the global Olympic stage.

Traditionally known as a tight defensive unit, this Swedish side is stingy at the back AND thrilling going forward.

When they need to up the tempo, they have the rangy Jakobsson and speedy Blackstenius.

If they need to slow things down and establish control in the middle of the park, they have 36-year-old captain Caroline Seger to use her experience and put her foot on the ball.

Sweden women's national football team secret: Versatility

When asked why a growing chorus of voices was calling Sweden favourites before Tokyo 2020 began, coach Peter Gerhardsson put it down to his players and their versatility.

“What determines if you win or lose a game is the players,” he told Her Football Hub.

“It’s them and their abilities, their qualities, and their decision-making during a game that will decide if we win or if we lose. You have to remember that.”

Players capable of playing in different roles have shone in the blue and yellow.

“I have players that can play in several different positions," Gerhardsson continues.

"This means I can move them around to adapt to whatever opponent we are up against. I mean, look at players like Fridolina Rolfö for example; she can play on both wings in the attack or in a central position. Against Austria, in the Algarve Cup, she even played in a No. 10 role as an attacking playmaker.

"Then we have players like Amanda Ilestedt in the backline who can play all positions there if needed. You need these kinds of players to win games and that’s our strength. Perhaps that’s why we are seen as one of the favourites, I don’t know.

"But what I do know is that I believe in my players.”

Gerhardsson's words have been borne out on the pitch in Tokyo.

Try to attack and play an open game like USA and Australia did in the group stages? Sweden will press high, force you to give up the ball and the attacking trident of Jakobsson, Blackstenius and Rolfö will cut you to shreds. Those two games finished 3-0 and 4-2 respectively.

Try and close things down and grind out a 1-0? Eriksson, Andersson, and co can shut it down with the best of them. In 11 matches in 2021, they have conceded more than one goal three times.

And then they find a way to win, just as they did against Australia in the semi-final when Rolfö netted the winner at the start of the second half.

Crucially, they make their chances count. Sweden have the highest conversion rate at the tournament with 19 percent with Blackstenius and Rolfö scoring seven goals between them.

Sweden vs. Canada Olympic final: Preview

Even when Gerhardsson left his front three on the bench, making six changes overall, in their final group game against New Zealand, in came Madelen Janogy and Anna Anvegard to score a goal apiece in a 2-0 Sweden win.

Strength in depth, highly motivated and with momentum on their side, Sweden go into the final as strong favourites for most.

They face a Canada team that pulled off the perfect smash-and-grab against the USA in the semi-final - having just two shots on target in the match, one of them being the penalty that gave them a 1-0 victory.

The Canadians had just 40 per cent possession, soaking up wave after wave of attacks and frustrating their neighbours.

Can they deny the potent Swedish attack in the same way? Or will the underdogs try to fight fire with fire? We will find out on Friday.

When is the Sweden-Canada Olympic women's football final?

Tokyo 2020 women's football final: Sweden v Canada

Friday 6 August, 11am JST (0200 UTC).

Tokyo 2020 women's bronze medal match: Australia v USA

Thursday 5 August, 5pm JST (0800 UTC).