BBC Sport Online examines how Sweden came through their group despite a slow start.
Drawn in a relatively poor group, Sweden still managed to look impressive as they qualified with 26 points from a possible 30.
And as England found in a friendly at Old Trafford in November, they are one of the hardest sides in the world to beat.
They began their campaign with a relatively low-key 1-0 win in Azerbaijan.
The second match promised to be crucial to their fortunes and a 1-1 draw against Turkey, rivals for the automatic qualification spot, looked to have hanicapped their efforts.