Azerbaijan Vs Sweden

As Azerbaijan and Sweden prepare to kick off their 2024 UEFA Nations League campaigns, both teams are keen to set a positive tone for the competitive season. The Group C encounter, scheduled to take place in Baku on Thursday evening, holds significant importance for both sides as they look to bounce back from recent disappointments. Azerbaijan, led by seasoned manager Fernando Santos, are coming off a series of friendlies, while Sweden, under the stewardship of Jon Dahl Tomasson, aim to rebuild after missing out on qualification for Euro 2024.

This article delves deeply into the dynamics of the two teams, their preparations for the UEFA Nations League, and what to expect from the upcoming encounter. We will explore each team's recent form, key players, and the larger context of their ambitions within the competition.

Azerbaijan's Journey Under Fernando Santos

Azerbaijan’s Struggles in European Championship Qualifying

Azerbaijan, known locally as Milli Komanda, have endured a challenging international calendar over the past year. Despite showing glimpses of promise, they failed to secure a spot in the European Championships in Germany. The nation ended their qualifying campaign with a heavy defeat, a 5-0 loss to Belgium in November 2023, in which Romelu Lukaku starred with four goals. That result underscored the defensive frailties of Fernando Santos' side, leaving Azerbaijan with a significant task ahead in the Nations League.

However, Azerbaijan's inability to qualify for Euro 2024 may have been a blessing in disguise, as it gave Santos the opportunity to experiment and rebuild during the March and June 2024 international windows. Over the course of four friendlies, the Azerbaijani team managed to register three wins, with their only defeat coming in a 3-1 loss to Albania. These friendlies offered Santos a chance to implement his tactical approach and fine-tune his squad ahead of the competitive fixtures.

Azerbaijan's Summer Friendlies: Glimpses of Progress

Azerbaijan’s international friendlies this year saw them face a variety of opponents, from established European teams to emerging sides. The highlight of their recent friendly fixtures was a 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan on June 11. Mahir Emreli, Emin Makhmudov, and Tural Bayramov all found the back of the net, helping their side to a commanding win. The match, held at the Haladas Stadion in Hungary, was one of the most positive performances for Azerbaijan in recent memory. Santos utilized the game to showcase Azerbaijan's offensive capabilities, with quick transitions and clinical finishing being key to their success.

This victory followed an intense 1-0 win over Latvia in March, where Azerbaijan showed their resilience in defense. While these matches were not competitive in nature, they gave Santos and his team valuable momentum heading into the UEFA Nations League.

Building on 2022-23 UEFA Nations League Success

Azerbaijan’s return to UEFA Nations League action offers them a chance to build on their relative success in the 2022-23 edition. They finished second in their League C group, just missing out on promotion to League B. Now, with a solid blend of experience and youthful talent, Santos aims to guide Azerbaijan into the top two once again, with an eye on possible promotion.

Azerbaijan’s squad for the Nations League is built around players who have shown consistent form over the past year. Captain Maksim Medvedev leads the defense, while the creative forces of Makhmudov and Bayramov are pivotal in midfield. Up front, Mahir Emreli remains their primary attacking threat. Santos has also integrated younger players into the squad, hoping to create a blend of experience and youthful energy that can compete at this level.

Sweden: A Nation Seeking Redemption

Sweden's Euro 2024 Heartbreak

For Sweden, the 2023-24 international season ended in disappointment. After an eight-game qualification campaign for Euro 2024, the Blue and Yellow found themselves finishing third in their group, behind Belgium and Austria. While Belgium dominated the group, it was Austria, under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, who emerged as dark horses. Sweden’s inability to secure a top-two finish meant they missed out on a place in the tournament.

The most painful result for Sweden during this period was their 3-0 defeat to Azerbaijan in November 2023, a game that dashed their Euro qualifying hopes. The Swedes struggled in front of goal and were punished on the counterattack by an Azerbaijani side that capitalized on defensive lapses. For Sweden, that defeat highlighted the need for a significant rebuild, both tactically and personnel-wise.

Jon Dahl Tomasson: The Man to Lead Sweden’s Rebirth

Following the departure of Janne Andersson, who had managed the Swedish national team for several years, Sweden turned to Danish coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. Known for his attacking philosophy and his work at Blackburn Rovers, where he almost secured Premier League promotion, Tomasson was brought in with the task of rejuvenating the Blue and Yellow.

Tomasson’s first major challenge will be guiding Sweden through the UEFA Nations League, where they are expected to be one of the strongest teams in League C. His mandate is clear: secure promotion to League B and build a team capable of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Tomasson has already begun to make his mark on the team, bringing in younger players alongside established veterans like Emil Forsberg and Dejan Kulusevski. The focus has been on re-energizing the squad with fresh talent while maintaining a strong spine of experienced players.

Aiming for Nations League Success

Sweden enter the Nations League with high expectations. Drawn alongside Azerbaijan, Slovakia, and Estonia in Group C, they are considered the heavy favorites to top the section. Their squad depth and talent level surpass those of their group rivals, but Tomasson knows that underestimating any opponent could lead to a repeat of past failures.

Sweden’s squad boasts several standout players, particularly in the midfield and attacking areas. Emil Forsberg, one of the most experienced members of the team, continues to be a creative force, while Dejan Kulusevski provides pace and power on the wing. Young striker Anthony Elanga, who has impressed at club level, is expected to play a more prominent role for the national team. Defensively, Sweden rely on the leadership of Victor Lindelöf, with Carl Starfelt and Ludwig Augustinsson providing stability at the back.

Tactical Battle: What to Expect

Azerbaijan’s Tactical Approach

Under Fernando Santos, Azerbaijan have adopted a more structured and disciplined approach. Known for his pragmatic tactics, Santos has instilled a defensive solidity in the team while encouraging quick counter-attacks. Azerbaijan are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Makhmudov orchestrating play from midfield and Emreli leading the line.

In defense, Azerbaijan will need to be organized and compact, particularly against a Sweden team that thrives on quick transitions and wing play. The full-backs, Bayramov and Sheydayev, will have to deal with the threat posed by Kulusevski and Forsberg, while Medvedev will be tasked with marshalling the defense.

Sweden’s Offensive Firepower

Sweden, under Tomasson, are expected to be more attack-minded than in previous campaigns. Tomasson’s philosophy revolves around pressing high up the pitch and utilizing the width provided by their wingers. A 4-3-3 formation could see Forsberg, Kulusevski, and Elanga forming a potent attacking trio, with Svanberg and Kristoffer Olsson controlling the midfield.

Defensively, Sweden will need to be wary of Azerbaijan’s counter-attacks. The pace of Emreli and the creativity of Makhmudov can cause problems if Sweden commit too many players forward. Lindelöf will be key in organizing the backline, while Augustinsson’s overlapping runs could be a weapon on the left flank.

Final Thoughts: A Crucial Clash for Both Nations

Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter between Azerbaijan and Sweden promises to be an intriguing tactical battle. For Azerbaijan, the match represents a chance to continue their upward trajectory under Fernando Santos, while Sweden are looking to begin their new era under Jon Dahl Tomasson with a statement victory.

Both teams have points to prove after missing out on Euro 2024, and the Nations League offers an opportunity for redemption. For Azerbaijan, a win would signal their intent to challenge for promotion to League B. For Sweden, anything less than three points would be considered a major disappointment given their stature and ambitions.

The clash in Baku will set the tone for both teams' Nations League campaigns, with plenty at stake as they aim to build momentum for the upcoming World Cup qualification cycle.