nilsson started sweden's opening world cup match at left-back, but struggled to contain nigeria's winger asisat oshoala. sweden surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 3–3. in sweden's next match an improved performance secured a 0–0 draw with the united states, with nilsson pushed into a left-sided midfield role. in sweden's 4–1 defeat by germany in the second round, nilsson replaced beleaguered left-back samuelsson at half-time.