Johanna Rytting Kaneryd says Sweden can go “the whole way” at Euro 2025 because “there is something different” about this squad.
Saturday’s thumping 4-1 win over Germany was a statement victory for Peter Gerhardsson’s side, who claimed top spot in Group C ahead of the eight-time champions.
Sweden won the inaugural Women’s European Championship in 1984 but have never lifted the trophy since – finishing runners-up on three occasions and last doing so in 2001.
It has been a recent tale of ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’, but this could be the year they finally shake off that tag after winning all three group matches, scoring eight goals and conceding just one.
“Of course we always want to win,” said Sweden’s Chelsea midfielder Rytting Kaneryd. “We always want to do better.
“We know we have been doing good in tournaments before, but we also know we haven’t gone the whole way.
“I have a really good feeling. You can see that in the squad there is something different this year and we always believe.
“We want to reach the final and with that being said we need to take every game for what it is. We can’t look too much ahead. It’s going to be a challenge but we are ready.”
While they turned in an impressive display for a first success in seven meetings against Germany at a Euros, Sweden were also lifted to victory by a sea of 2,500 supporters in blue and yellow, who did not stop singing throughout.
The players celebrated and danced to music with their fans afterwards, which was a special moment for Rytting Kaneryd.
“I couldn’t dream about more,” said the 28-year-old. “This is incredible. I can’t really explain the feeling.
“After the game you see all those yellow shirts, so many. We never thought it would be as big as it is. It’s a really good sign that we have the support from Sweden.”