I remember watching Sweden’s women’s soccer team a decade ago and thinking they were solid, but honestly, not yet world-beaters. Fast forward to today, and they’ve transformed into a genuine global football powerhouse—something I’ve followed closely as both a fan and someone who studies team dynamics. It’s fascinating how certain teams, like Sweden, build momentum and never look back, much like how La Salle jumped to an early 11-6 lead in that championship match and just kept pushing forward. That kind of confident, sustained drive is exactly what Sweden has embodied over recent years, turning early potential into consistent excellence on the world stage.

When I look at Sweden’s rise, it reminds me of how foundational development and patience pay off. They didn’t become a powerhouse overnight; it was a gradual climb fueled by smart investments in youth academies and a cultural shift that prioritized women’s football. I’ve read that by 2018, nearly 45% of registered youth players in Sweden were girls—a staggering number that speaks to the grassroots momentum. And it’s not just about numbers; the Swedish Football Association poured resources into coaching education, ensuring that tactical innovation kept pace with player growth. From my perspective, that long-term vision is what separates good teams from great ones. They built a system where talent could flourish, and when you combine that with the players’ relentless work ethic, you get a squad that rarely falters under pressure.

One thing I’ve always admired about Sweden’s women’s soccer team is their mental toughness. Take their performance in major tournaments: in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, they finished third, and at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, they grabbed the silver medal. Those results aren’t flukes—they’re the product of a mindset that mirrors that early lead La Salle held. Once Sweden gets ahead, whether in a match or in a tournament run, they just don’t let up. I recall watching them in the Olympic semifinals; they were down early but clawed back with such composure. It’s that ability to stay focused, to build on small advantages, that makes them so formidable. And let’s be real, in high-stakes games, that psychological edge is everything.

Tactically, Sweden has evolved in ways that keep opponents guessing. Under coaches like Peter Gerhardsson, they’ve blended disciplined defending with explosive counter-attacks, a style that leverages their physicality and technical skill. I mean, look at players like Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfö—they’re not just scorers; they’re engines who press relentlessly and create space for others. It’s no surprise they’ve notched over 60 international wins in the last five years alone. From my experience analyzing football systems, that adaptability is key. Sweden doesn’t rely on one star; they have a deep bench, with squad players who can step in and maintain the team’s intensity. That depth, honestly, is what separates them from teams that fade in knockout rounds.

Off the pitch, Sweden’s embrace of equality has been a game-changer. As someone who values inclusivity in sports, I’ve been impressed by how the country’s support for gender parity trickles down to football. Sponsorship deals, media coverage, and fan engagement have all surged, with reports showing a 120% increase in attendance at domestic women’s matches since 2015. That kind of backing fuels player morale and attracts new talent. It’s a virtuous cycle: success breeds interest, which in turn fuels more success. And in global football, that cultural foundation is as crucial as any training drill.

Of course, no rise is without its challenges. Sweden has faced stiff competition from powerhouses like the United States and Germany, but what stands out to me is how they’ve used those clashes to improve. In the 2023 World Cup, for instance, they pushed the eventual champions to the brink, losing narrowly but proving they belong at the top. It’s like that early lead La Salle built—sometimes you stumble, but if you’ve laid a strong foundation, you bounce back stronger. Personally, I think Sweden’s resilience is their secret weapon; they learn from every setback and come back hungrier.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where Sweden’s women’s soccer team goes next. With a pipeline of young talents emerging and a system that emphasizes continuous improvement, they’re poised to stay among the elite. Maybe they’ll clinch that elusive major trophy soon—I wouldn’t bet against them. After all, teams that build early momentum, like La Salle did, often sustain it through sheer will and smart planning. Sweden’s journey from a solid side to a global football powerhouse is a testament to that, and as a fan, it’s been a thrill to watch it unfold.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.