Euro 2012 Preview - Sweden
Absurd FIFA ranking: 17th
Coach: Former pro Erik Hamren
Match Schedule:
June 11 – Sweden v. Ukraine (Kiev, 2:45 p.m. EST)
June 15 – Sweden v. England (Kiev, 2:45 p.m.)
June 19 – Sweden v. France (Kiev, 2:45 p.m.)
Prospects: The Swedes qualified automatically for Polkraine 2012 as the top second placed side in qualifying after a stirring 3-2 win over group toppers The Netherlands in their last match.
Key Player: Veteran co-captain Anders Svensson is the key to Sweden keeping their shape under pressure from better sides. Under new manager Hamren, the Swedes have become a well-organized (if slightly boring) side with a few surprising weapons - the new Norway, essentially. Is it any wonder then that so many of their current squad ply their trade in England? That alone will make the June 15th match-up fascinating viewing.
Youngster to watch: 19 year-old John Guidetti hasn't got a look-in at his home club Man Citeh yet; but he's been is great goal-scoring form on loan at Feyenoord.
Who Will Get the Goals: Mercurial beanpole Zlatan Ibrahimovic - if he can rouse himself to give a toss, Sweden could be a handful.
Who Will Get the Cards: Blackburn Rovers defender Martin Olsson has picked up some bad habits in relegation dogfights this season.
Prediction: Sadly, France will likely top Group D ahead of England. That sets up a Quarter-final match-up on June 23rd with Italy. I'm taking a risk given Italy's current crisis, but I just sense that their superior tournament mentality will edge France out in a penalty shoot-out after probably the dullest match in the tournament.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 10:09 AM
1 Comments:
I agree regarding goals, cards, and youngster to watch. I don't know much about this side,but guess Svensson could be a key player at this veteran stage of his career.One of the Olsson twins, who will likely pick up the cards will be a key player as will the Olsson that plays at West Brom. The other Olsson player is on standby, as if they don't have enough problems.I guess the two Olssons would be most likely to pick up the cards.I am guessing that Gaudetti will partner Zlatan up front unless Sweden elects to play with one forward.My prediction is that Sweden just pips England for second place and loses 1-0 to Spain in the quarters, playing nine defenders plus Zlatan and the keeper.
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