Last week Graham Potter turned up at a Sweden training session wearing a Stetson, bringing a light-hearted element as the squad readied itself for the World Cup in Texas.

Observers might have seen the hat as apt for a coach whose recent roles had ended abruptly, leaving him with limited time in each post.

Yet on the pitch at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico the team delivered a serious statement after the lighter moments in practice.

Sweden dismantled Tunisia with five goals, overpowering their Group F opponents in convincing fashion.

Given his departure from West Ham last September and the earlier Chelsea experience, few expected Potter to lead a country into a strong World Cup start.

"Anything can happen," Potter remarked after the 5-1 victory. "Results are never guaranteed no matter how well prepared you feel.

"We stayed positive because of the work done in training. Once the match begins anything is possible and that is what makes sport exciting. We are pleased with the display and happy to begin on a high note."

The five goals scored against Tunisia exceeded the total Sweden managed across their entire qualifying group stage under previous manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Under the Dane the side had already lost any realistic chance of direct qualification.

Potter took charge in October but the earlier results could not be overturned and Sweden ended bottom of the section behind Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia with no wins from six matches.

Still, a play-off route opened thanks to their Nations League standing of 34th.

This path allowed Potter both to reach the finals and to answer questions about his ability to succeed at the highest level.

Victories over Ukraine and Poland secured qualification and the emphatic win over Tunisia has boosted hopes of reaching the knockout phase.

Potter had not planned this route. He started the campaign as West Ham manager only to be dismissed in late September.

He recorded just six wins from 23 Premier League matches with the Hammers after an earlier spell at Chelsea that proved difficult following his successful time at Brighton.

During his English roles the Solihull native grew more guarded in media dealings amid intense pressure.

In the Sweden position he appears renewed, returning to the country where he first made his name by guiding Ostersunds FK from the fourth tier to the top flight, claiming the cup and entering European competition.

Ahead of the tournament he told BBC Sport that he feels Swedish at heart.

"Working here makes me feel Swedish," he said. "I even resemble a Swede a little. Two of my children were born in the country and I spent seven memorable years at Ostersunds that I will never forget.

"I started in the fourth tier and progressed through the leagues to the Allsvenskan.

"Those experiences shape you as a coach and almost make you Swedish in outlook. It has been very beneficial.

"Now leading the national team for the Swedish FA reinforces that feeling."

Potter has posted family photos on Instagram showing time spent in Swedish scenery, alongside Nordic books and local events.

Beyond personal interests he has focused on preparation and the opening result could hardly have been better.

The full return of Liverpool forward Alexander Isak stands out as a key boost and the understanding he showed with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres will please Potter greatly.

Each player set up a goal for the other, underlining the attacking threat available to the manager.

The combination offers Sweden a potent and costly forward line on their return to the global stage after missing the 2022 finals, capable of troubling any opponent when in form.

Potter still needs to integrate the wider group and with only Victor Lindelof having prior World Cup experience, plus goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfelt as an unused sub in 2018, further leadership will be required if they are to exceed expectations.

Under the current format they already sit well for a last-32 place.

Future opponents will be stronger than Tunisia, currently ranked 56th, beginning with the Netherlands on Saturday at 18:00 BST.

"We concentrate only on our own game and our own standards," Potter said after the match.

"External views and predictions do not change what we must do.

"At a World Cup many forecasts appear but our task is to focus on team performance.

"On Saturday we face another strong side that is among the tournament favourites."

Sweden's finest showing at the competition remains from 68 years ago when they hosted and finished runners-up to a Brazil side inspired by Pele.

That 1958 team was coached by Englishman George Raynor.

They also claimed third place in 1994 on American soil.

Positive signs for Potter? The outlook certainly appears brighter for the manager in the cowboy hat.