Sweden are without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, for the first time since 2006, are at the World Cup.
Sweden were expected to struggle after the international retirement of Ibrahimovic at the end of the European Championship in 2016. But it hasn't worked out that way.
Sweden start their first World Cup in 12 years on Monday against South Korea , who have failed to maintain their status in world football.
South Korea reached the semifinals at home in 2002 and the last 16 in 2010, but the 2014 World Cup in Brazil brought no wins and a humiliating return home, when angry supporters pelted the team with candy at Incheon International Airport.
The opening game is crucial for both teams with defending champions Germany alongside Mexico waiting in Group F.
Sweden's top frontman post-Ibrahimovic is striker Marcus Berg. Under coach Janne Andersson, there's a feeling that this team, with defender and captain Andreas Granqvist and attacking midfielder Emil Forsberg, is more balanced. Not so reliant on one player, albeit an exceptional player.
In contrast, South Korea are hugely reliant on Tottenham forward Son Heung-min to restore some faith. Excitement for football in South Korea appears to be near an all-time low, with US President Donald Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the after-effects of that far more fascinating for Koreans right now than an under-performing team.