World Cup: Sweden evacuate team hotel after false alarm

Sweden's players take part in a training session on the eve of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter final football match between Sweden and England at the Samara Arena, on July 6, 2018 in Samara. PHOTO: AFP

SOCHI, RUSSIA (REUTERS) - Sweden's players suffered a rude awakening ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash with England when the fire alarm went off at their hotel in Samara on Saturday (July 7) morning, leading it to be evacuated.

The Swedish players were roused from their slumbers and moved out of their rooms, but luckily it turned out to be a false alarm and they could go back to recharging their batteries ahead of their first World Cup quarter-final since 1994.

"It was just after half past eight this morning, a false alarm. All the players are feeling fine," Sweden press officer Staffan Stjernholm told website Fotbollskanalen (www.fotbollskanalen.se).

The Swedes have plenty of time for a nap before they take on England at 1700 local time (10pm in Singapore), with hosts Russia facing Croatia later in the evening in Sochi.

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