In their opening Euro 2024 qualifier, Sweden will host Belgium, and the squad will feature the 41-year-old star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has made a comeback to international football. Ibrahimovic had retired from the national team in 2016 but is now set to return after almost five years.
Over the weekend, Ibrahimovic made headlines by becoming the oldest goal scorer in Serie A, but now he faces a tough challenge in the form of Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne will undoubtedly be eager to prove himself after the Red Devils' disappointing elimination from the World Cup. In addition to that, Belgium will be hoping to repeat their victory against Sweden in the Euro 2016 encounter. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with two talented sides going head to head in what is expected to be an intense and closely fought game.
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 24, when Sweden will face off against Belgium in their Euro 2024 qualifying match. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm GMT or 8:45pm local time, with the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, serving as the venue for this exciting encounter. With a maximum capacity of 50,000, the stadium is expected to be packed with fans cheering on their respective teams. Belgium secured a narrow 1-0 victory in their last meeting with Sweden in the 2016 Euros, so the Swedish side will be looking to turn the tables this time around and claim a crucial win in their quest for Euro 2024 qualification.
The Sweden squad
The Sweden squad has received a major boost with the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will be making his first international appearance in almost five years. However, he faces stiff competition from Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who has been in excellent form and will be eager to make his mark on the international stage. The Swedish goalkeeping department will consist of Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, and Robin Olsen, who are all experienced shot-stoppers and will be looking to put in a solid performance against Belgium. The rest of the team is expected to be a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents who are eager to impress and secure their place in the national squad.
The Sweden squad boasts a mix of experienced players and rising talents, with the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the international fold generating the most excitement. The defensive line-up is led by Manchester United's Victor Lindelof, who is joined by a solid group of defenders including Joel Andersson, Ludwig Augustinsson, and Carl Starfelt. The midfield is anchored by the experienced Albin Ekdal and Emil Forsberg, while exciting young talents such as Mattias Svanberg and Jesper Karlstrom add energy and creativity to the mix. The attacking options are particularly strong, with Ibrahimovic and Alexander Isak forming a formidable partnership up front. Other notable forwards in the squad include Dejan Kulusevski, Robin Quaison, and Viktor Claesson. Overall, Sweden will be hoping to build on their impressive performance at Euro 2020 and secure a spot at Euro 2024.
Belgium squad
Meanwhile, the Belgium squad is stacked with talent across all positions, led by the prolific striker Romelu Lukaku. The defensive line-up features experienced players such as Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier, while the midfield is anchored by the world-class Kevin De Bruyne. Youngsters such as Charles De Ketelaere and Romeo Lavia add a touch of energy and dynamism to the mix, while the attacking options are rounded out by the likes of Dodi Lukebakio and Leandro Trossard. The team will be eager to put their disappointment at the 2022 World Cup behind them and make a strong start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
