Sweden On Song (Olivia Schough interview)

Sweden midfielder Olivia Schough, looking to become a regular starter, previews a tournament in which her country have again been drawn with the United States, the sixth time in seven World Cups. Her first reaction to Group D was that it is tough, but tough is fun: on paper the USA are the hardest opponent, though she expects Nigeria to be difficult with so many big, strong players, and knows little yet about Australia. Still disappointed at not reaching the Euro final, she says a successful World Cup means winning a medal. Her essential item is speakers, because she cannot be without music in a hotel room, and she looks forward most to facing the USA in a full arena. She warns never to trust Lotta Schelin, who once replaced her urine test with apple juice.