Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan in their final FIFA World Cup group stage match, and goalkeeper Vedel-Setteholm spoke to FIFA in the mixed zone after the game.

Let's start with the match. When did you find out you would be starting? How did you personally feel about the game?

I found out the day before that I would be starting. Of course, I was very happy, but also a bit nervous. Both emotions were intertwined, which is actually a good state to be in. Once I stepped onto the pitch, it felt like I'd been in similar situations many times before. This is my first FIFA World Cup, but as a player, I've experienced match environments like this countless times, so I could rely on my accumulated experience.

Elanga just said he wasn't sure if a draw would be enough to take the team through to the Round of 32. How much were you aware of the situation at that time?

I was aware of it too. But I think you shouldn't dwell too much on those conditions before the match, and you shouldn't let those factors affect you. What matters is entering the game with the right mindset and doing what you do best. As for factors beyond your control, just set them aside for now.

You made some incredible saves. Ibrahimović also praised them as outstanding during commentary and said you should keep it up. What do you think?

Of course, I'm very pleased to hear that, and I'm grateful to him.

How do you view those saves yourself?

As a goalkeeper, you can't deliberately chase specific moments, especially when the team's overall defense is working well. When opportunities arise, all you can do is stay focused and do your job.

However, if I remember correctly, right after that save, the opposition immediately got a corner kick, so I didn't have time to look at the big screen, let alone savor the moment. Looking back now, it certainly still feels quite good.

Actually, just a few months ago, you suffered a very serious illness, and the FIFA World Cup seemed very far away at that time. Can you briefly talk about how you feel, from that lowest point to standing here now?

I can say I truly didn't expect to be here today. But since I returned to full training and competition with my club, and then was selected for the national team, this became my goal. Now to be standing here and complete my first 90 minutes at the FIFA World Cup—that feeling is very hard to put into words.

Were you surprised when you got this opportunity? What was Nordfeldt's reaction at the time?

Rather than say I was surprised, I'd say I didn't think too much about it. I don't overthink things before a match. What you can control is doing your best in training, not just for yourself but for the other goalkeepers as well. It's an honor for me to train with these goalkeepers over the past few weeks, and we can continue to work hard together. Whoever plays, the others will fully support them. I've received a lot of support from Nordfeldt, Johansson, and everyone else. I also hope they feel the same support when someone else plays and I don't.

Can you talk about the defensive performance in this match and the adjustments made by Coach Potter? How does it compare to the match against the Netherlands?

We had to look back at what we didn't do well in the previous match and learn from it. I think we operated better overall in this match, and our shape was more compact. From the result, I think our defense was outstanding today.

Of course, the two matches can't be directly compared because the situation is different in each one. But from a defensive perspective, we were very solid overall today, which was a key reason we could get that one point.

France, Germany, or possibly Norway seem to be potential opponents you might face in the Round of 32. Who would you most like to meet?

That's a good question, but my answer might be a bit boring. In the FIFA World Cup, you'll face very strong teams sooner or later. No matter who the opponent is, I'm confident we'll be fully prepared, put in the effort we need to, play as well as we can, and try to advance.

So who would you prefer to face in the next round—France or Norway?

It's difficult for me to give a clear answer. You'll face top teams in the FIFA World Cup sooner or later. But no matter who you face, you can't focus too much on the opponent. What matters is doing our job well. So I can't give a specific preference.

Many fans in Sweden gathered in front of big screens to watch the match, and many venues were packed, just like the last match. Even though the game was played from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. Swedish time. After losing to the Netherlands, what does it feel like to repay the fans with a performance like this?

Six or eight years ago, I also stood in front of a big screen like that watching matches. Back then, I probably didn't think I'd be standing here one day. So I know exactly what this means to everyone. We always receive tremendous support, in good times and bad, which is very important to us.

Now that we've qualified, it's not only significant for us but also for the fans back home. It's wonderful to be able to bring joy to everyone.

Sheen left the field on crutches after the match. What would you say to him right now? Are you aware of his situation?

I saw him briefly after the match. This situation is, of course, very unfortunate, and nobody wants to see it. He's a good friend of mine, so I'm very sad about it too. But our team will support each other in good times and bad. It must be difficult for Sheen right now, but he knows we're all here for him.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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