If NFL Franchises were EURO 2020 Teams: Part 4
By Tadhg Flynn
Breaking down the final four teams in our series comparing EURO 2020 teams to NFL franchises.
After what was one of the best days of soccer played at EURO 2020 so far, the quality of sport on display has lived up to the hopes of fans. In blockbuster action on Monday, June 28, there were 14 goals scored in two matches, and the tournament favorite France were knocked out of the last 16 on penalties by underdogs Switzerland.
The teams still involved will be looking to win the whole thing, and the quarterfinals will soon be underway on Friday, July 2. Four teams still have to play a game before that stage.
So who should you support? We take a look at the nations and make it easy for you in this final fourth part of our four-part series: If NFL Franchises were EURO 2020 teams.
4. Sweden – NFL Franchise Comparison: Los Angeles Chargers
Next game: vs. Ukraine, Tuesday, June 29
Sweden have been a very assured team throughout EURO 2020 so far. After securing a 0-0 draw against two-time EURO Champion Spain, they finished their group stage with wins over Slovakia and Poland to surprisingly finish top of their group. Now they are in the last 16 and are facing a Ukraine side which they will fancy beating.
Of all the games in the last 16, this is probably one of the most even. The focus should be on Sweden after their great group performances.
Sweden are not a side made up of top stars in the club game, but rather have always been a dependable side with a good team shape and a focus on defense first. The EURO 2020 squad has players from elite clubs in Europe, but not many with a starting role for their team.
The country’s talisman is undoubtedly Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After retiring from international football, Ibrahimovic declared his return in time for EURO 2020 but was sadly injured before the start of the competition. Without Ibrahimovic, the Sweden squad is filled with excellent players but none that bring the star quality. It is likely that when facing top-level opposition, Sweden may not have the cutting edge required to score.
When considering the NFL company that Sweden keeps, it seems a fair comparison to associate with the Los Angeles Chargers. To start, both Sweden and the Chargers play with a home kit of yellow. A perennial underdog in the NFL, the Chargers have long been a team in search of top-quality talent to bring them to the next level. Philip Rivers was a lone bright spark in the franchise’s recent history, and the team has been solid but uninspiring.
In the 2020 season, the Chargers demonstrated some solidity and intensity to finish the season after a woeful 3-10 over three months. Still, some hope exists for the Chargers if they can stick to their game plan and keep opponents from expressing themselves. LA fans should row in behind the Blue and Yellow and help an unlikely Swedish win come true.