'World Cup Fans' is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Members of Australia's Swedish community are still pinching themselves after qualifying for this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Scandinavian nation made it at the expense of four-time champions Italy in November.
Andreas Karlsson, a Swede living in Australia, admits he didn’t expect the national side to pull it off.
"I would never bet Sweden would go through against Italy," he told SBS News. "But it happened and I'm very happy about it.”
Sweden celebrate after securing thier World Cup spot in November. Source: Getty Images
For fellow Swede Sara Kristensson, the victory was extra sweet.
“I was very happy as I was working for an Italian company as well,” she said.
A taste of home
The Fika Swedish Kitchen in Manly, Sydney, is one of the few Swedish eateries in Australia.
Diana Chirilas is a part owner of the cafe and says it provides a taste of home for expats in Australia.
"After we opened it we realised just how many Scandinavians in general are in Sydney,” Ms Chirilas said.
Sweden fans in Australia are confident of a strong showing at the 2018 World Cup. Source: Adrian Arciuli / SBS News
“A lot of people who have lived here for a long time really miss cinnamon buns and meatballs.”
“All we wanted is just for people to come in and smile and feel a little bit like home."
The 'underdogs'
Sweden has come close to winning the World Cup twice.
Brazil stopped them from lifting the trophy on home soil in 1958. A 17-year-old Pelé scored twice in the final - it ended 5-2 and granted Brazil their first title.
Sweden had to settle for third place at USA 94 after losing again to Brazil, that time in the semi-finals.
And this year, they face an uphill battle; grouped with Mexico, South Korea and defending champions Germany.
But Mr Karlsson thinks the team thrives against tougher opposition.
"I think Sweden likes to be the underdogs,” he said. “We’re always the best when we’re the underdog.”
And he's one of many fans heading to Russia to support his country in the tournament. Sweden faces South Korea on the 18th of June.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
