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‘It’s not pleasant but we are still alive’ – Graham Potter downplays Sweden loss to Netherlands
21st June, 2026 06:55 PM
Sweden’s national team head coach Graham Potter has downplayed the significance of the heavy loss against the Netherlands on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Sweden were expected to come out firing on all cylinders after a statement start in their opening 5-1 win over Tunisia in Group F. Proceedings, however, turned sour against the Netherlands as the Dutch obliterated them as 5-1 winners in the second group match.
Potter, while lauding the Dutch master class, asserted that even in the face of the result, his team remains alive and with much to play for.
Not carried away
“Congratulations to the Netherlands. I do not think we were carried away with the first 5-1 win over Tunisia, and we will not be carried away after this defeat. It is not nice that we have to deal with the results, but it is what it is; we are still alive with three points and a game to play. We will dust ourselves off and go again,” he stated.
The coach also reflected on their opening win over Tunisia, stressing that his charges will draw lessons and bounce back from the crushing defeat.
“We will learn from it and grow. It is part of the game, and you have to learn from it to grow. The Tunisia game was also not a 5-1 game,” he explained.
Vulnerable
“Such things happen when you experience high-quality players against you, and when trying to catch up in the game, you leave yourself vulnerable against a strong opponent with good players.”
The loss saw Sweden become the first side to win their first game by 4+ goals (5-1) and then lose their second by 4+ goals (1-5) at a World Cup tournament since 1938.
The European nation, which sealed qualification to the global competition without winning any group match, will face Japan in their final group match with the possibility of proceeding still intact.
