Claims that Sweden's 1-1 draw against England was a "tactical triumph" have been ridiculed at home.
Coaches Lars Lagerback and Tommy Soderberg were quick to take credit following Sweden's second-half comeback in Saitama.
However, several experts have now questioned their so-called "tactical masterplan".
"I can't understand what they are doing," said former international Ralf Edstrom.
"
It's fantastic to see 11 players battle like that on the pitch
"
Tommy Soderberg
"We didn't control a thing. There was no football in the first half, it was purely kick and run.
"We had nothing, it was unbelievable. I get so angry."
Commentators, studio experts and the millions of Swedes watching the match on television agreed on one thing: Sweden's lack of invention in the first half was because of Anders Svensson's omission.
"I think they should have had Anders Svensson on the field from the start," said former Sweden coach Tommy Svensson.
"England are overrated and Sweden should have attacked from the beginning."
"I simply don't buy this being a tactical triumph - it's ridiculous."
Meanwhile, the much admired Anders Svensson has revealed that the squad do not get a supply of Swedish newspapers.
During the 1994 World Cup Sweden were shut-off from any negative stories on their way to the bronze and the players felt it was worth repeating.
"There's a risk it would disturb us," Svensson said.
"Not everybody can take reading negative things in the papers, and that's why it's better not to read them."
However, there is no ban on using the internet in the camp.