World Cup 2018: Victor Lindelof rooting for Manchester United teammates to lift World Cup with England after Sweden's elimination
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sweden defender Victor Lindelof revealed he is rooting for England to go on and lift the World Cup after Gareth Southgate’s men beat his team 2-0 in Saturday’s quarter-final in Samara.
Headed goals in each half from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli earned a convincing victory that secured England’s first World Cup semi-final appearance since 1990 at the expense of Sweden, who fell after a remarkable run that saw them eliminate Netherlands and Italy in World Cup qualifying and holders Germany in the group stage en route to the last eight.
Lindelof, who formed a formidable centre-back partnership with captain Andreas Granqvist, was comforted by Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford at the final whistle in Samara and after the match he insisted that he hopes England can now scale even greater heights.
“I spoke with them [the United players in the England squad] and they gave me a hug and I congratulated them on the win and wished them good luck,” Lindelof said.
“I wished them all the best and I will be cheering for England to win it now because they are my friends. They are a very good team. They have good quality players. They have a good chance to make it through to the final.”
England now face Croatia in Wednesday’s semi-final in Moscow, with the winner meeting either France or Belgium in the World Cup final at the Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.
Sweden fell just short of making their first semi-final appearance since 1994, and Lindelof admitted that the end of their run will stay with him for a long time.
”It's the biggest disappointment of my career so far,” he added. “It is the World Cup, it is the biggest thing you can play in for your national team.
“To lose in the quarter-finals is tough. I'm very, very disappointed.”
Lindelof joined United from Benfica for £31 million last summer but struggled to hold down a regular starting spot under Jose Mourinho in his first season in England, making 17 appearances – of which just 13 were starts – in the Premier League.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments