Sweden’s “Fatal Flaw” — Starting Center-Back Hien Absent, Backline Completely Collapses

The biggest concern for Sweden in this match isn’t the attack—it’s the defense. Sweden’s starting center-back Isak Hien strained his hamstring in the match against Japan, and it has been confirmed that he will miss the game against France.

Hien is the absolute core of Sweden’s defensive line. What does his absence mean? It means Potter has to completely reshuffle the entire backline. Lindelöf will most likely drop back from midfield to play center-back, while Tottenham youngster Bergvall will move into midfield. A makeshift defensive line, facing the relentless assaults from Mbappé and Dembélé—how long do you think they can hold out?

Sweden have already conceded 7 goals in the group stage. In the 1-5 loss to the Netherlands, their defense was completely torn apart. Now that Hien is missing, the defense will only be weaker. France scored 10 goals in the group stage—the top attacking force in this edition. A defense that has conceded 7 goals going up against an attacking line that has scored 10—the outcome is only to be expected.

Football365’s prediction is direct: “Sweden’s limitations—especially on the defensive end—have already been exposed by the Netherlands.” France is clearly a match only stronger than, at minimum, the Netherlands. Can Sweden rely on this makeshift backline to hold off France? Basically impossible.

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