Jeremy Cross reports from Dallas…
Graham Potter has hit out at critics for making captain Isak Hien a scapegoat for Sweden’s crushing defeat to the Netherlands.
And Potter has made it clear he is still right behind Hien, ahead of Friday’s crunch showdown with Japan in Dallas.
The Swedes made a thrilling start to their World Cup campaign, with a five goal thrashing of Tunisia.
But then found themselves on the wrong end of one themselves in Houston.
Hien was at fault for three of the Netherlands goals.
But Potter has thrown his support behind Hien, and insisted the centre back is still the ultimate leader of his side.
Potter said: “I love Isak Hien, and I don’t care what anybody says. If I’m manager, then he’s playing.
“It’s a blame game. It’s the world we live in. If everybody wants someone to blame, it should be me.
“It’s not him. He’s doing everything he can to represent his country in the best way, and he get’s dog’s abuse because someone scores.”
Potter admits him and his squad have been put through some pain since their last result.
He added: “You’re in pain after the defeat, which I understand social media is all about.
“When you lose a game, everyone’s in pain. Everyone’s hurting.
“But like I said, I love Isak. We win and we lose together as a team.”