Sweden 1994
Sweden at USA 1994 boasted a golden generation that combined Scandinavian discipline with genuine flair. Tomas Brolin, at the peak of his powers, was the creative heartbeat quick, skilful, and decisive. Henrik Larsson was emerging as a future great, Martin Dahlin led the line with pace and instinct, and Kennet Andersson provided aerial power. Thomas Ravelli, the eccentric veteran goalkeeper, was magnificent throughout. Sweden topped a group containing Brazil, beat Saudi Arabia and Romania in the knockout rounds, and fell only to Brazil again in the semi-final 1-0, a Romário header the difference. They claimed third place with a 4-0 demolition of Bulgaria. It was Sweden's best World Cup result since finishing as runners-up on home soil in 1958, and the last great hurrah for a generation that had proven Sweden could compete with the very best.