Jeremy Cross reports from Dallas…
Coach Graham Potter has slammed critics for making captain Isak Hien the scapegoat for Sweden’s heavy defeat to the Netherlands.
And Potter revealed he’s still right behind Hien ahead of Friday’s tense showdown with Japan in Dallas.
Sweden made a thrilling start to their World Cup campaign with a five-goal victory over Tunisia.
But then we realized we were on the wrong track in Houston.
Three of Holland’s goals were due to Hien.
But Potter supported Hien, insisting the centre-back was still the team’s ultimate leader.
“I love Isaac Hien and I don’t care what anyone says. If I’m the manager, he’s playing,” Potter said.
“This is a blame game. This is the world we live in. If anyone wants to blame someone, it should be me.
“That’s not him. He’s doing everything he can to represent his country in the best possible way and he gets dog-baited just because someone else scores.”
Potter admits he and his team have experienced some pain since the last result.
He added: “After the loss, you’re hurting and I understand that’s what social media is all about.
“When you lose a game, it hurts everyone. It hurts everyone.
“But like I said, I love Isaac. We win and lose together as a team.”
