Graham Potter's redemption ride can hit full speed if Sweden take down the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday night.
A Fresh Start for Potter
Potter had a lot in common with the team he took charge of last October, with both in need of a reset. Fast forward eight months and Potter is on the brink of leading the Swedes into the World Cup knockout stages.
Job done? Not for the ambitious Potter, it won't be. Although his personal rehabilitation must feel close to being complete, following painful spells in charge of Chelsea and then West Ham. Potter lasted six months at Stamford Bridge - and just two months longer at the Hammers.
But Sweden have given him the platform to rebuild his reputation. He led them to the finals, and now the cusp of the next stage of a competition when the big boys will be expected to turn it on.
Focus on the Netherlands
First though, Potter must mastermind a result against a Netherlands side still struggling to make an impact, but still one packed with talent. Potter has forgotten Sweden's thumping of Tunisia already, as he focuses on facing a team he believes are one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
He said: "It was a good start, but that's all. We now face a different opponent and challenge. The Netherlands are a top team. One of the favourites for the competition. They have quality and it will be tough."
The pressure is all on Netherlands counterpart Ronald Koeman. His side's opening draw with Japan has done little to increase confidence Koeman's men can go on to shed that infamous tag of being the best team to never win the World Cup.
Koeman's Concerns
Koeman admits there is serious room for improvement - and is considering starting with all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay, provided he declares himself fit following a niggling thigh problem.
Koeman said: "I'm aware that we need to play better. Memphis is almost ready. I can feel he is coming. We are excited about the challenge."
At the other end, Dutch skipper Virgil van Dijk will need to stop Liverpool team-mate Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, who destroyed Tunisia in Sweden's opener. That led to Sabri Lamouchi's sacking by the African nation.
