From last-chance saloon to World Cup redemption for Potter

Graham Potter leads Sweden in Texas. Potter has extended his contract with Sweden until 2030, a testament to his renewed success. When Graham Potter strode out to Sweden training last week donning a Stetson, it was a bit of fun to get into the World Cup mood as they prepared for the tournament in Texas. The cowboy hat was fitting for a manager who was maybe drinking in last-chance saloon following back-to-back sackings in his previous jobs lasting a combined 15 months.

At Estadio Monterrey in Mexico, Potter's side showed they mean business in this competition after the fun at training from their head coach. A ruthless Sweden side stuck five past Tunisia as they tore their Group F rivals apart. For a manager who was dismissed by West Ham in September after failing at Chelsea before that, few would have expected him to be steering a nation to a winning start in the World Cup this summer.

Potter's journey to this point has been marked by setbacks and criticism. He was sacked by West Ham after winning just six of his 23 Premier League games in charge of the Hammers. This followed an unsuccessful stint at Chelsea where the job appeared too big for him after he had impressed at Brighton. The Solihull-born coach had become bristly with the media during his time in England in high-pressured jobs.

However, he seems refreshed and reborn in the Sweden role. He is back in the country where he really cut his teeth as a manager, where he took Ostersunds FK from the fourth tier to the top flight, winning the domestic cup and leading them into their first European campaign. It is why, before the tournament, he spoke to BBC Sport, about how he feels Swedish.

"I feel very Swedish when I'm working," he said. "I even look a bit Swedish. Two of my children were born in Sweden. I had seven unforgettable years at Ostersunds, with memories that will stay with me for life." Potter's connection to Sweden is deep, and his experience in the country has clearly influenced his managerial style.

On his Instagram account, Potter has shared images of himself exploring the country's natural landscapes with his family, reading Nordic literature and taking part in cultural events. Yet he has obviously not just been busy being a tourist but has been working tirelessly to turn Sweden's fortunes around. The five goals they scored against Tunisia was more than the four they scored in the entire group stage of their qualifying campaign - largely overseen by Potter's predecessor Jon Dahl Tomasson.

It was under the Dane that Sweden's hopes of automatic World Cup qualification from their group became impossible. After his dismissal, Potter was appointed Sweden boss back in October but the damage was done and he could not stop them finishing bottom of the group behind Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia without a single victory in six games. However, they reached the play-off path courtesy of their Uefa Nations League ranking, giving Potter the chance to help Sweden to the World Cup.

They beat Ukraine and Poland to get to this tournament in those play-offs and now, after this thrashing of Tunisia, they will be confident of progressing to the knockout stages. "You never know, that's the truth," said Potter after the 5-1 win. "You never know how things are going to go. We were optimistic because we felt confident in the work. But until the game is played you don't know for sure. That's the beauty of sport. We are delighted with how we performed tonight and it's a great start for us."

Potter's success with Sweden is not just a redemption story for the manager; it also highlights the importance of adaptability and perseverance in football. His ability to learn from his experiences and apply those lessons to his current role has been key to Sweden's success. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how Potter's side fares against tougher opponents. One thing is certain, however: Graham Potter has silenced his critics and proved himself once again as a capable and talented manager.

The future looks bright for Sweden under Potter's guidance, and his extended contract until 2030 is a testament to the faith the Swedish FA has in him. With a talented squad and a manager who has found his footing, Sweden could be a dark horse in the tournament. Only time will tell if they can continue their impressive form and make a deep run in the World Cup. For now, Potter and his team can bask in the glory of their convincing win over Tunisia and look forward to their next challenge.