Friendship and fun across business networks
More than 300 people attended SACC Arizona's Business Soccer Breakfast events. Together with the German American Chamber of Commerce, ProMexico, Swiss nationals, expat Brits and other soccer fans we followed the exciting, exhilarating journey of Sweden to the World Cup Quarterfinals 2018!
This is the story of SACC's soccer summer 2018
Sweden and South Korea
Monday June 18: Sweden marked their first appearance at the World Cup in 12 years by beating South Korea. Thanks to a penalty from captain Andreas Granqvist the score ended 1-0 to Sweden.
And so the game was on for Sweden and SACC Arizona members and friends.
Sweden and germany
Saturday June 23: Sweden played against Germany. Event co-organized with GACC Arizona and run by SACC member Steadfast Lawyers. More than 200 people assembled at Thirsty Lion, Tempe, to follow the game. Most of them cheered for the German team. But when Ola Toivonen put the ball into the German net after 30 minutes, the Swedes raised the roof with jubilant cries.
Unfortunately, the Germans came back and ended the game 2-1.
Sweden and mexico
Wednesday June 27: Sweden met Mexico. 50 business people witnessed the game at Polsinelli Lawyers, Phoenix. The event was co-organized with ProMexico. Still a draw at half time, Sweden put the pressure on Mexico in the second half. Ludwig Augustinsson pummeled the ball into the net five minutes into second half. Then Andreas Granqvist nailed a penalty shot, and to cap it of: Mexico's Edson Alvarez pushed the ball into his own goal. Sweden won 3-0.
Strangely enough though, everyone was happy! This because South Korea knocked out Germany in a parallel match - so both Sweden and Mexico advanced to the next group! Talk about win-win situation!
Some of SACCs member experienced the game live in Russia at Yekaterinburg soccer stadium.
Sweden and Switzerland
Tuesday July 3: The duel of Swederland - Sweden against Switzerland. About 20 Swedes (and two Swiss fans) filled The Rose and Crown in Downtown Phoenix to enjoy the game.
Feeling the plight of people unsure about the differences between Sweden and Switzerland, a Swedish Government Agency made a infographic to help out.
The game was also prefaced with a hilarious Swiss ad campaign playing on the confusion regarding Sweden and Switzerland, dubbed "The Duel of Swederland". Who would reign supreme?
Well, the answer came in the second half. when Emil Forsberg struck the decisive blow with a shot that deflected off Manuel Akanji into the Swiss goal. The match ended 1-0 to Sweden.
Sweden against England in the Quarterfinals
Saturday July 7: About 120 people assembled at Rose and Crown to watch Sweden and England face each other for the third time ever at a World Cup. The pub was packed to the rafters, including the porch (where some poor souls sweltered in the morning heat). This match was momentous for a couple of reasons:
- England were in their first World Cup quarter-final for 12 years and was aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first-time since 1990.
- Last time Sweden reached the quarter-finals in 1994 we went on to finish third in total.
Unfortunately, this time the three lions beat three crowns. With 2-0 to England the soccer saga of Sweden for the summer 2018 was over.
Thank you SACC members and friends who joined the fun, made new connections and created business opportunities at our Soccer Breakfast events. See you all at our upcoming events!
Credits:
Text and photo: Joacim Mattisson, Susan Lagerman. Score screenshots: BBC.com. Additional graphics: www.freepik.com. Created on behalf or Swedish American Chamber of Commerce Arizona, www.saccarizona.org