CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is backing his native Sweden to win the World Cup as they head into their 2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match with England.
Sweden has shined in Russia, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Playing an organized and efficient style, Sweden topped their group and reached the quarterfinals after earning a win over Switzerland earlier this week. Ibrahimovic, the nation’s top scorer, has been a vocal supporter of Sweden’s squad during his time with the Galaxy.
As Sweden heads into their match with England, Ibrahimović is backing his nation for success.
“They have a big chance to win the World Cup. They beat Mexico [in the group stage] which was good. They made a big statement and by winning against the Swiss,” Ibrahimovic told reporters on Wednesday. “They’re going well and doing things that no one thought they could do. They believe, and they thought they could do it. They’re making good things, and hopefully, they could continue.
“We are there to push them. Every Swedish person in the world is proud, and we will be proud however it goes in the coming games.
And just how does Sweden take down England? Ibrahimović says that they shouldn’t change a thing.
“They should continue doing what they’re doing. It’s difficult to play against them and to score against them. If they can keep it up, they have a good chance,” Ibrahimović said. “Now, it’s not only about how good you are, but there are a lot of emotions in the game. It’s a quarterfinal, and a lot of emotions come into the game. Whoever can handle that best has an advantage.
“When Sweden wins, let’s see what David Beckham tells me.”
