The Swedes are currently locked in a three-way battle with the Republic of Ireland and Austria for the second spot in the group. Ireland and Austria both have 11 points while Sweden only has eight; the Swedes have played one game less than their immediate rivals and could jump ahead with a huge victory.
The first place team in the group earns an automatic passage to the World Cup next summer. The second place team moves on to a second round where it will take on another group runner-up. The winner of the two-legged matchup moves on to the World Cup finals.
Sweden started its tournament with a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan and another 2-1 victory over the Faroe Islands. In its third match, the Swedish side showcased its weaknesses and strengths in a 4-4 draw against the mighty Germans. The team fell behind 4-0 55 minutes into the contest but managed to make a heroic comeback with the final goal coming in the third minute of stoppage time. After that the Swedes drew 0-0 against Ireland and fell 2-1 against Austria on Friday.
The team needs to not only defeat Faroe Islands but blow them out. Austria sits comfortably in second place with a +10 goal differential; Sweden only has a +2 goal difference. The Austrians managed 6-0 win against Faroe Islands and a 4-0 drubbing of Kazakhstan. The feat is not insurmountable for the Swedes. Aside from the 6-0 loss to Austria, Faroe Islands has also been victim to 4-1 and 3-0 losses against Ireland and a 3-0 defeat against Germany.
Prediction: Sweden pulls off a 5-0 win at home.
Start Time: 1:15 PM EST
