Sweden enjoyed a dream run to the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup and almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in history against Brazil.
Tommy Svensson’s side qualified for the tournament top of a group containing fellow surprise package Bulgaria, while eliminating Gerard Houllier’s France side containing the likes of Eric Cantona and David Ginola. Their World Cup group was no easier as they faced favourites Brazil, plus Russia and Cameroon – being held by the latter in their opening game.
But Sweden’s thrilling side, containing the likes of Stefan Schwarz, Tomas Brolin and Martin Dahlin, flexed their muscles to come from behind and beat Russia 3-1 to qualify, before drawing with Brazil in the final group game.
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The knockouts saw Sweden beat Saudi Arabia and another shock European outfit in the Gheorghe Hagi-inspired Romania, who dumped out Argentina in the round of 16. However, their hopes of reaching the final were gutted in the semi-final when they came up against Brazil again and fell victim to a late goal from Romario. However, they did win the third place match, hammering Bulgaria 4-0.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport, via William Hill’s England World Cup 2026 odds, Sweden legend Schwarz recalled the tournament: “It was fantastic, an amazing experience and such a great time for Swedish football. We knew from 1992 Euros when we got third place, that we could compete in the 1994 World Cup.
“Make no mistake, our goal was to win it, we knew we had a good squad, we were all together as a group, we knew our strengths. We had been together for a few years and were ready to perform on the biggest stage.
“It was a good confidence we had in each other and our squad was strong. When you say dealing with expectation, as a group we had our own expectation, but from outside there was no real pressure. Playing in a US World Cup was very special indeed, we had an excellent experience during the tournament and did the country proud.
“The group was tough. Played Cameroon first and were losing 2-1, then it was Larsson who scored a good goal to make it 2-2. We then drew with Brazil and beat Russia.
“We then built on this and we knew with knockout football, you have to perform or go home. So we know we had top players, a good mixture of players, but a united team. It worked well, we peaked well. One important factor was we had players who came on to elevate us.”
Sweden’s dream run was ended by Brazil in the semi-final, but the European side were able to hold them to a 1-1 draw in the final group game. Kennet Andersson opened the scoring in the first-half but Romario equalised early in the second-half to ensure Brazil picked up the point that would confirm they topped the group.
Schwarz added: “Well, we played them in the group stage and got a draw, so we were happy with this result to stay unbeaten in the tournament. This then gave us confidence to play Russia in our final group game.
“The semi-final I was suspended which was a real shame as you always want to play in the biggest games. But Brazil is always such a top opponent to play against. They have top players all over the pitch, the full backs were so good, midfield so competitive and strong and technically excellent and striker wise, they had great finishers.
“We had to work so hard in both games, but unfortunately the semi-final was one step too far for us. And we knew if you can beat Brazil, then you can win it. But in the semi-final, they were the better side.
“Romario was the difference in the end. And then we bounced back well with a 4-0 win in the 3rd play-off game. So it was very disappointing to lose in the semi-final, but some joy in 3rd place victory.”