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Showing posts with label SWEDEN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SWEDEN. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Russia 2-0 Sweden Pics

Russia 2-0 Sweden: Thousands of Swedes descend on the Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck for the vital clash against Russia
Swedish defender Mikael Nilsson is pressurised by Russia's Alexander Anyukov as the crucial encounter gets under way
Russian pressure results in a deserved lead as Roman Pavluchenko fires home from Aleksandr Anyukov's pass in the 24th minute
Andrei Arshavin slots home a superb second for the Russians after latching on to Yuri Zhirkov's cross from the left in the 50th minute
Arshavin's goal is just reward for a fine personal and team performance as Russia head for a quarter-final clash with Holland

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Russia 2-0 Sweden


Russia beat Sweden in Innsbruck to set up a clash with coach Guus Hiddink's native country the Netherlands in the last eight of Euro 2008.

Andrei Arshavin, playing his first game of the tournament after suspension, inspired a superb attacking display.

He was involved as Aleksandr Anyukov set up Roman Pavlyuchenko for a close-range finish after 24 minutes.

And Arshavin then started and finished a sweeping move to slide home Yuri Zhirkov's pass in the 50th minute.

Russia exerted almost total domination and also struck the woodwork through Pavlyuchenko and Konstantin Zyryanov as they threatened to rack up a more emphatic victory margin.

It was easily the most impressive Russian performance of Euro 2008 and if they reproduce this quality against the counter-attacking style of the Dutch in Basel on Saturday, it will be a mouth-watering clash.

Arshavin was recalled after a two-game ban - and he fully justified his selection by orchestrating a brilliant display of attacking pace and verve by Russia.

Pavlyuchenko almost created a goal for the Zenit St Petersburg star after 14 minutes, but Arshavin could not get a powerful touch on his cross.

And Arshavin then forced Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson into a back-pedalling save with a cross that threatened to drift over his head as Russia pinned Sweden back.

Zhirkov then fired a volley inches wide before Pavlyuchenko gave Russia a thoroughly-deserved lead in the 24th minute.

Arshavin, predictably, was at the heart of the move with a perfectly weighted pass for Zyryanov, who switched the ball to Aynukov, who set up Pavlyuchenko for a sweeping finish beyond Isaksson.

Little had been seen of the dangerous Sweden strike pairing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson, but the former Celtic star burst into life after 26 minutes to send a superb header glancing off the bar.

Russia, however, were quick to re-assert their authority and were only denied by the woodwork after Pavlyuchenko left Isaksson helpless with a powerful finish.

Sweden at least showed some attacking intent in the dying moments of the first half, with Mikael Nilsson and Freddie Ljugnberg bringing smart saves from Igor Akinfeev.

It was another moment of mastery from Arshavin that doubled Russia's lead after 50 minutes and clinched a meeting against the Dutch in the last eight.

The little maestro played in Zhirkov and then slid the return pass beyond Isaksson as the pace of Russia's attack once again left Sweden helpless.

Sweden attempted to force their way back into the game, but were leaving themselves open to the rapier thrusts of the Russians.

And they should have been further behind when Zyryanov struck the post with a rising drive and Pavlyuchenko missed an easy chance to add a third.

Arshavin then wasted an opportunity to round off a brilliant individual display with a flourish in the 88th minute when he shot straight at Isaksson's legs when he was clean through.

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov (Saenko 66), Arshavin, Pavluchenko (Bystrov 90).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Torbinsky, Shirokov, Sychev, Ivanov.

Booked: Semak, Arshavin, Kolodin.

Goals: Pavluchenko 24, Arshavin 50.

Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson (Allback 79), Elmander, Andersson (Kallstrom 55), Svensson, Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson, Ibrahimovic.
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Sebastian Larsson, Wilhelmsson, Rosenberg, Dorsin.

Booked: Isaksson, Elmander.

Att: 30,000

Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).
man of the match: Russia's Andrei Arshavin 8.52 (on 90 minutes).

Russia-Sweden


UEFA EURO 2008 GROUP D
Date: Wed 18 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck


Russia captain Sergei Semak, defender Yuri Zhirkov and midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov should be OK after taking part in light training on Monday.

Playmaker Andrei Arshavin is available after serving a two-match suspension that has sidelined him at Euro 2008.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has hinted he may use Arshavin Arshavina as a substitute as he is short of fitness.

Sweden's main worry is striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is still struggling with a swollen left knee.

BIG MATCH STATS

Qualification

Russia need to beat Sweden to advance to the quarter-finals. Sweden will qualify with a draw.

Head-to-heads

These teams have met 23 times before with Sweden winning seven, Russia eight and eight matches ending in a draw.

Sweden have won two of the four competitive encounters, Russia one. Their last competitive meeting dates back 14 years to the 1994 World Cup. Sweden beat Russia 3-1 in the group stage. Henrik Larsson came on as a substitute in that match.

Their most recent clash was a friendly in 2002 that ended 1-1.
Head to head records and significant meetings

Team facts - Russia

Have not made it past the group phase at the last three European Championship finals at which they were present (1992, 1996, 2004).

Have the youngest squad at Euro 2008. Their average on the opening day was 26 years and 83 days.

With 476 combined international matches between them, the Russian squad is the least experienced at Euro 2008.

Have one of the most experienced coaches at this tournament. Guus Hiddink is present at his fifth major tournament (European Championship and World Cup). He has always successfully negotiated the group phase.
Record of Guus Hiddick at the big tournaments

Team facts - Sweden

Their squad is the oldest at Euro 2008 at an average age of 29 years and 85 days.

Like his Russian counterpart, Swedish coach Lars Lagerback is present at his fifth major tournament (European Championship and World Cup). Under his guidance, Sweden have only failed to survive the group phase once at a major tournament (Euro 2000).
Record of Lars Lagerback at the big tournaments

Lagerback takes charge of his tenth European Championship match as a coach, one short of the record set by Berti Vogts (1992-1996).

With a combined 1,090 international caps between them, the Swedish squad is also the most experienced team present at Euro 2008.

Player facts - Russia

Andrei Arshavin returns from a two match suspension after being sent off in Russia's final qualification match. Arshavin was the only Russian player to play in all twelve of his country's qualification matches. He scored three goals.

Dmitriy Torbinskiy and Ivan Saenko are one yellow card shy of a suspension.

Player facts - Sweden

Henrik Larsson is the oldest player for Sweden in European Championship history (36 years and 268 days on the day of the match against Spain). He is Sweden's joint top scorer in the competition with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both players have scored four times.

Larsson can become only the second player to score at six combined European Championship and World Cup tournaments, following Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany).

If selected, Mikael Nilsson will win his 50th international cap for Sweden. He made his debut against the Czech Republic in a friendly in 2002 (3-3).

Anders Svensson is one yellow card shy of a suspension.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Sweden 1-2 Spain


Spain booked a Euro 2008 quarter-final spot after David Villa's last-gasp goal sank Sweden and Russia beat Greece.

Spain took the lead on 15 minutes with a clever move that ended with Fernando Torres poking home David Silva's cross.

But Sweden responded well and levelled when Zlatan Ibrahimovic met Fredrick Stoor's cross on 34 minutes.

Spain, who could have had a penalty when Johan Elmander barged Silva, were frustrated by Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson before Villa's neat finish.

Spain were far less stylish than they had been in despatching Russia in their opening match.

But Villa's goal, his fourth of the tournament, was still enough to put his side into the quarter-finals.

Spain will also top Group D and avoid the in-form Netherlands in the last eight.

As against Russia, they again showed neat touches in the early stages with some quick passing helping them to outmanoeuvre the hard-working Swedes.

But Lars Lagerback's side were not as easy to break down and it took a move of real ingenuity to put Spain ahead.

A quickly taken Xavi corner resulted in the ball being fed short along the bye-line to Villa and, from his quick pass, Silva whipped the ball in to Torres who stretched to prod it home at the near post.

Sweden had created nothing up to that point yet they should really have been level seconds later.

Henrik Larsson cleverly shielded the ball on the edge of the Spanish area before playing in Elmander but he shot wastefully into the side netting.

Spain were still having all the possession but they were struggling to make it count and it was Lagerback's more direct approach that began paying dividends.

Ibrahimovic's lobbed pass put Larsson clear but, although the veteran striker had to wait for the ball to come down in the area, he will still be disappointed with his eventual shot, which he spooned high over the bar.

While Sweden were pumping balls into the area they remained dangerous, however, and it was through that method that they equalised.

Spain were undoubtedly missing Carles Puyol, who had limped off injured, when Stoor fired in a cross from the right and Ibrahimovic had time to take the ball down and slot home.

The big striker's first touch was poor but he easily shook off a weak challenge from Sergio Ramos and although Iker Casillas got a hand to his shot, he could not keep it out.

Spain had gone quiet by this point but they still should have had a penalty just before the break.


Zlatan Ibrahimovic finds space to score Sweden's equaliser

Silva was preparing to meet a Ramos cross from the right when he was blatantly pushed over by Elmander but referee Pieter Vink chose to ignore the challenge.

Sweden could be pleased with their work in the first 45 minutes and it appeared they were happy with a point, taking off Ibrahimovic to save his troublesome knee, and sitting deep as the second period began.

Their reluctance to come forward frustrated Spain, who had used the counter-attack to such lethal effect against Russia.

Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to help create some openings but Spain found Isaksson in solid form when they did get within shooting range.

The Manchester City keeper spilled a low Silva shot but recovered to keep out Villa's follow-up before Torres' shot was blocked by Daniel Andersson.

Isaksson made another smart stop to keep out Marcos Senna's stinging effort on the run soon after and it looked as though Sweden had done enough for a draw.

But Villa had other ideas, latching on to Joan Capdevila's pass in the 92nd minute and expertly sliding the ball into the corner of the net.



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Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Elmander (Sebastian Larsson 79), Andersson, Svensson, Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson (Kallstrom 87), Ibrahimovic (Rosenberg 46).
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Allback, Wilhelmsson, Dorsin.

Booked: Svensson.

Goals: Ibrahimovic 34.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol (Albiol 24), Capdevila, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Senna, Xavi (Fabregas 58), Silva, Villa, Torres.
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Fernando Navarro, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Guiza, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Booked: Marchena.

Goals: Torres 15, Villa 90.

Att: 30,000

Ref: Pieter Vink (Holland).



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man of the match: Spain's Fernando Torres 7.93 (on 90 minutes).

Friday, June 13, 2008

Sweden v Spain

UEFA EURO 2008 GROUP D
Date: Sat 14 June Kick-off: 1700 BST Venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck
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Birmingham midfielder Larsson could make his first Euro 2008 start
Sweden midfielder Sebastian Larsson may make his first Euro 2008 start in place of Christian Wilhelmsson, who is out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

Niclas Alexandersson will also miss the match because of a calf injury, though he hopes to return for Sweden's final Group D game against Russia on 18 June.

Defender Fredrik Stoor could therefore start in an otherwise unchanged side.

Spain coach Luis Aragones is unlikely to make any changes to the team that beat Russia 4-1 in their opening match.

That will mean Fernando Torres continuing up front alongside David Villa, despite his apparent frustration at being substituted in the group opener.

The Liverpool striker appeared to ignore Aragones's offer of a handshake when he was replaced by Cesc Fabregas against Russia, but he said: "I was angry with myself and it isn't true that I refused to shake the coach's hand.


"Luis was six metres away from me, we weren't that close and I would never show any disrespect to a coach.

"I know that I can't get angry for more than 30 seconds when I've got team-mates next to me who didn't play [in the game] at all."

Victory for either side would effectively see them guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.

And Sweden defender Olof Mellberg insists his side will be going for the win, despite Spain's impressive performance in their defeat of Russia.

"We need at least five points to qualify," said Mellberg. "Normally a draw is good against Spain, but with a victory we would be already qualified.

"But Spain will also think this because the last game in the group is always difficult. There is always a lot of pressure."


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

Sweden and Spain have met each other on 12 occasions with Spain winning five times and Sweden three.

They have met in five competitive matches including two occasions in the qualification for this tournament. They each won one of the qualification matches for Euro 2008 and Spain have won three to Sweden's two in total.

Sweden were the last team to beat Spain in a competitive match, winning 2-0 in Euro 2008 qualification in October 2006.

Head to head records and significant meetings

Team facts - Sweden

Boast the second oldest ever squad in the history of this tournament at an average age of 31 years and three days.

Unbeaten in five successive European Championship matches (two wins and three draws).

Scored two goals in a match for the first time in seven outings this year when they beat Greece 2-0 in their European Championship opener.

Team facts - Spain

On a streak of seven straight wins, their best since 1999. Their record of nine date back to the 1920s.

Spain's longest winning sequences

Selected one of the most inexperienced squads at Euro 2008 - only Austria and Russia have fewer caps in the squad than the Spanish.

This is the 50th match for Luis Aragones as Spain's head coach. Spain have won 34, drawn 11 and lost just four of his matches in charge. The quartet of defeats were against France (1-3), Northern Ireland (2-3), Sweden (0-2) and Romania (0-1).

The next card shown to a player from Spain will be their 50th, a total made up of 48 yellow cards and one direct red card.

Player facts - Sweden

Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has not let in a goal for 235 minutes at the European Championship. If he keeps a clean sheet against Spain, his streak will be the fifth longest in the competition's history.

Henrik Larsson now holds the record as the oldest player for Sweden in their European Championship history. He will be 36 years and 268 days when this match is played.

Larsson is also his country's top scorer in the competition with four goals. Larsson, Thierry Henry (France) and Nuno Gomes (Portugal) can join Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) and Vladimir Smicer (Czech Republic) as the only players to have scored in three European Championship editions.

Olof Mellberg, Fredrik Ljungberg and Larsson all jointly hold the Swedish record for most appearances at a European Championship (eight).

Player facts - Spain

Fernando Torres has been selected by Aragones in 41 of the Spanish head coaches' 49 previous matches in charge, more than any other player.

David Villa is Spain's top scorer under Aragones with 17 goals. Villa scored Spain's first ever hat-trick at the European Championship when netting three in their opener against Russia. He needs one goal to become Spain's record goalscorer at the European Championship. He currently shares the record with Alfonso.

Villa is the competition's top scorer after one match. At Euro 2004, the top scorers after one match were Zinedine Zidane and Henrik Larsson with two goals. Both managed only one more goal in the rest of the tournament.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Greece 0-2 Sweden


Zlatan Ibrahimovic produced a moment of magic to put Sweden on the path to a crucial Euro 2008 victory against holders Greece in Group D.

Ibrahimovic scored his first goal for Sweden since 2005 with a stunning 25-yard strike after 67 minutes.

Petter Hansson scrambled home Sweden's second six minutes later to end Greece's dogged defensive resistance.

Hansson had almost given Greece the lead earlier, heading just wide of his own goal, but Sweden deserved the win.

Greece looked a shadow of the side that shocked Europe in Portugal four years ago and once Sweden took the lead, Otto Rehhagel's team never looked likely to salvage anything from a dour encounter.

Sweden are now in pole position to qualify along with Spain, while Greece face the prospect of having to beat Russia on Saturday to keep the crown they won in Lisbon's Stadium of Light in 2004.

Greece were the surprise winners in that tournament, with a style based on a fierce discipline and a strong rearguard, and they appeared intent on defending their title in similar fashion.

Angelos Charisteas, whose goal beat Portugal in the last final, was the main Greek danger in the first half and he tested Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson with a powerful shot after a driving run in the sixth minute.

Inter Milan striker Ibrahimovic almost got the opener the game so desperately needed after 32 minutes.

He stole in on the end of Freddie Ljungberg's cross but could only direct his header on to the roof of the net, with Greece keeper Antonis Nikopolidis stranded.


Ibrahimovic scored his first goal for Sweden since 2005

Charisteas was in the action again three minutes before the interval but once more he shot straight at Isaksson, who then saved well from an awkward, dipping Angelos Basinas effort.

Greece introduced striker Georgios Samaras for Fanis Gekas after the break but the stalemate continued in a game crying out for a goal.

And it almost came in bizarre fashion after 65 minutes when Hansson glanced Traianos Dellas' cross only inches wide of his own goal.

The deadlock was broken two minutes later - courtesy of a goal that was totally out of keeping with what had gone before.

Ibrahimovic played in Henrik Larsson before taking the return pass in his stride and sending a magnificent rising drive past Nikopolidis from 25 yards.

It was his last action of the game but soon after Sweden increased their lead with a scrambled second after 73 minutes.

Nikopolidis saved well from Ljungberg as he raced in on goal but the loose ball sparked an outbreak of mass confusion in the Greek penalty area and Hansson bundled home to effectively seal the win.

Greece had been desperately short of attacking invention but Vassilis Torosidis almost threw them a lifeline with three minutes left, forcing Isaksson into a fine block at his near post.



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Greece: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Kyrgiakos, Antzas, Dellas (Amanatidis 70), Torosidis, Charisteas, Basinas, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Gekas (Samaras 46).
Subs Not Used: Chalkias, Goumas, Vyntra, Spyropoulos, Patsatzoglou, Giannakopoulos, Tziolis, Salpigidis, Liberopoulos, Tzorvas.

Booked: Charisteas, Seitaridis, Torosidis.

Sweden: Isaksson, Alexandersson (Stoor 74), Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Wilhelmsson (Rosenberg 78), Svensson, Ljungberg, Andersson, Ibrahimovic (Elmander 71), Henrik Larsson.
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Dorsin, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson, Linderoth, Allback, Wiland.

Goals: Ibrahimovic 67, Hansson 73.

Att: 30,000

Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).

Player Rater man of the match: Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Greece v Sweden


UEFA EURO 2008 GROUP D
Date: Tue 10 Jun KO: 1945 BST Venue: Stadion Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg

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Holders Greece should be at full strength as they begin their Euro 2008 campaign against Sweden in Salzburg.

Giorgios Karagounis has recovered from a knee problem and Coach Otto Rehhagel has no other injury concerns.

Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are expected to start up front for Sweden, although Ibrahimovic (swollen knee) is unlikely to last 90 minutes.

Tobias Linderoth is poised to get a defensive midfield role despite question marks over his fitness.

"It is going to be a very physical match with the Greeks and I don't know whether Ibra and Linderoth will be able to play for 90 minutes at this level," said Sweden coach Lagerback.

If Lagerback opts against 36-year-old Larsson, who has not played international football since the 2006 World Cup, Johan Elmander could partner Ibrahimovic in attack.

Birmingham City's Sebastian Larsson is set to start on the right wing ahead of Christian Wilhelmsson.


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

Greece and Sweden have met on six previous occasions with Greece winning twice and Sweden once.

Greece are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Sweden (two wins and three draws). The Swede's sole win came at the 1920 Olympic Games (9-0). This match is not recognised as official by Greece.

Head to head records and significant meetings

Team facts - Greece

The defending champions have won three successive European Championship matches, since losing 2-1 to Russia in the group phase of Euro 2004.

Greece are on a streak of eight competitive matches without defeat. The most recent being on 24 March 2007, in European Championship qualifying against Turkey (1-4).

At 69, head coach Otto Rehhagel is the second oldest coach at Euro 2008, only trailing Spain's Luis Aragones (69) by 12 days.

Team facts - Sweden

Unbeaten in four successive European Championship matches (one win and three draws).

Longest running unbeaten streaks at European Championship

The Swedish squad is the oldest at Euro 2008 at an average age of 29 years and 85 days.

Head coach Lars Lagerback is the first national team coach to be present at three European Championships (2000, 2004, 2008).

Player facts - Greece

Goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis has kept a clean sheet in three successive European Championship matches. Only Edwin van der Sar (Holland, five matches) and Dino Zoff (Italy, four) have recorded longer streaks without conceding a single goal.

Kostas Katsouranis will win his 50th cap if he plays. He made his debut in the last meeting between Greece and Sweden, which was a friendly in Sweden on 20 August 2003 (2-1).

Giorgios Karagounis and Sotiris Kyrgiakos were Greece's only ever-present players during qualification.

Theofanis Gekas was Greece's top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals.

Defender Vassilis Torosidis celebrates his 23rd birthday on the day of this match.

Player facts - Sweden

Henrik Larsson is top scorer for Sweden in European Championship competition having scored four goals in seven matches.

At the age of 36 years and 264 days, Larsson can break Roland Nilsson's record (36 years and 196 days) for the oldest Swedish player to compete at the European Championship.

Larsson, Thierry Henry (France) and Nuno Gomes (Portugal) can join Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) and Vladimir Smicer (Czech Republic) as the only players to have scored in three European Championship editions.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (50 caps - 18 goals) has failed to score in 14 successive international matches for Sweden. His last goal for his country came in World Cup qualifying on 12 October 2005 against Iceland.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Rosetti to referee opening game



Rosetti to referee opening game





An Italian will get the UEFA European Championship finals under way for the second tournament running after Roberto Rosetti was appointed to referee the opening game between co-hosts Switzerland and the Czech Republic in Basel on Saturday.

Rosetti honour
Four years ago in Portugal, Pierluigi Collina officiated when the hosts met Greece in the first fixture, now Rosetti will follow in his footsteps, assisted by compatriots Alessandro Griselli and Paolo Calcagno, with France's Stéphane Lannoy as fourth official. Dutch referee Peter Vink will be in charge for the first match in Austria on Sunday, meanwhile, when Croatia face the home nation in Vienna.

Appointments
Altogether the 12 referees have been assigned one match so far, each assisted by a team two compatriots with who they have been working in UEFA competitions this year, along with a selection of eight fourth officials. Slovakia's Ľuboš Micheľ, who took charge of last month's UEFA Champions League final, is one of two of the 12 UEFA EURO 2004™ referees involved this time around; he starts on Wednesday when Switzerland meet Turkey in Basel while Spain's Manuel Enrique Mejuto González, the other survivor from Portugal, will officiate Romania v France in Zurich on Monday. Further appointments will be announced later in the tournament.

UEFA EURO 2008™ appointments for first 12 matches


Date Match Referee Assistant 1 Assistant 2 4th Official

Sat 7 Jun


Switzerland v Czech Republic - Roberto Rosetti (ITA), Alessandro Griselli (ITA),
Paolo Calcagno (ITA), Stéphane Lannoy (FRA)

Portugal v Turkey - Herbert Fandel (GER) ,Carsten Kadach (GER) , Volker Wezel (GER), Viktor Kassai (HUN)

Sun 8 Jun

Austria v Croatia - Peter Vink (NED), Adriaan Inia (NED), Hans Ten Hoove (NED)
Kristinn Jakobsson (ISL)

Germany v Poland - Tom Henning Øvrebø (NOR) , Geir Åge Holen (NOR), Jan Petter Randen (NOR) , Craig Thomson (SCO)

Mon 9 Jun

Romania v France - Manuel Enrique Mejuto González (ESP), Juan Carlos Yuste Jiménez (ESP), Jesús Calvo Guadamuro (ESP) , Olegário Benquerença (POR)

Netherlands v Italy - Peter Fröjdfeldt (SWE) , Stefan Wittberg (SWE) ,
Henrik Andrén (SWE) , Damir Skomina (SVN)

Tue 10 Jun

Spain v Russia - Konrad Plautz (AUT) , Egon Bereuter (AUT), Markus Mayr (AUT) , Grzegorz Gilewski (POL)

Greece v Sweden - Massimo Busacca (SUI) , Matthias Arnet (SUI) ,Stéphane Cuhat (SUI) Ivan Bebek (CRO)

Wed 11 Jun

Czech Republic v Portugal- Kyros Vassaras (GRE) , Dimitris Bozatzidis (GRE) , Dimitris Saraidaris (GRE), Kristinn Jakobsson (ISL)

Switzerland v Turkey - Ľuboš Micheľ (SVK) , Roman Slyško (SVK) , Martin Balko (SVK),
Damir Skomina (SVN)

Thu 12 Jun

Croatia v Germany - Frank De Bleeckere (BEL), Peter Hermans (BEL), Alex Verstraeten (BEL), Stéphane Lannoy (FRA)

Austria v Poland - Howard Webb (ENG), Darren Cann (ENG), Mike Mullarkey (ENG), Viktor Kassai (HUN)

Swedes reach Lugano base camp


Swedes reach Lugano base camp




The skies cleared up just in time for the arrival of Sweden's UEFA EURO 2008™ squad in Lugano on Wednesday. Whether or not that proves a good omen remains to be seen but Lars Lagerbäck and his men certainly enjoyed a heartening start to their Alpine adventure – greeted by the sight of hundreds of locals, many clad in yellow and blue and chanting "Svezia! Svezia!" as they stepped on to the tarmac at Lugano airport.
Elmander absent
Local support was evident again later in the day at the Centro Sportivo Cornaredo, Sweden's training base for the tournament. Fans and media braved the downpour to watch a light session from which the only player absent was Johan Elmander, still nursing a foot injury picked up in last Sunday's friendly loss to Ukraine. The Toulouse FC striker worked out in the gym instead, but is expected back in training with his team-mates in a matter of days.

Focus changes
Now the Swedes have reached their base, the focus of their training will change according to experienced defender Olof Mellberg. "We've trained hard before our friendlies, but from now on it's going to be less physically demanding and with more focus on tactical preparations for the coming matches," the Juventus-bound player told euro2008.com.

Alexandersson warning
Mellberg's first experience of a major tournament came eight years ago at UEFA EURO 2000™ and another veteran of that campaign, Niclas Alexandersson, warned that the dividing line between success and failure could prove wafer-thin. Sweden lost on penalties to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals in 2004 and Alexandersson said: "We've got enough experience to know that very small details decide if you'll be successful. We need to have those margins on our side. In several tournaments, we've lost out on penalty kicks and golden goals."

Monday, June 2, 2008

Elmander blow adds to Swedish woe


Elmander blow adds to Swedish woe





Sweden 0-1 Ukraine
Sweden ended their UEFA EURO 2008™ preparations in defeat on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Ukraine at the Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm.
Crowd displeasure
The home crowd sent the Swedish team off with loud boos ringing in their ears after a pale and uninspired performance culminated in an 82nd-minute long-range strike from Serhiy Nazarenko. The Ukraine midfielder was given too much time to set up his shot, which flew straight into the middle of Rami Shaaban's net.

Brief pressure
Sunday's encounter represented the Swedes' last warm-up before they open their UEFA EURO 2008™ bid against Greece in Salzburg on 10 June, and coach Lars Lagerbäck fielded most of his potential starting eleven. Ukraine's back four coped admirably with strike duo Zlatan Ibrahimović and Henrik Larsson but experienced a brief period of pressure on the half-hour mark when the former combined with Sebastian Larsson on the right flank before releasing a shot from close range. Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov saved with his feet and Henrik Larsson then saw his header from the resultant corner cleared off the line.

Swedish substitutions
Lagerbäck made his first two substitutions at half-time, taking off Andreas Isaksson and Sebastian Larsson for Shaaban and Fredrik Ljungberg. The second half yielded four more Swedish changes as the hosts attempted to wrest the advantage, though one of those was rendered necessary by an injury to Johan Elmander, who limped off only 20 minutes after coming on. The Toulouse FC forward suffered when an opponent trod on his right foot, but he is only expected to miss three or four days of training. "It's nothing major," said team doctor Magnus Forssblad, who will take a closer look tomorrow. "It will heal with some rest."

Sweden: Isaksson (Shaaban 46), Nilsson, Hansson, Mellberg, Alexandersson (Stoor 72), Wilhelmsson, Linderoth (Svensson 56), Källström, Sebastian Larsson (Ljungberg 46), Henrik Larsson, Ibrahimović (Elmander 56 (Allbäck 76)).

Ukraine: Pyatov, Shevchuk, Rusol (Chygrynskiy 46), Kucher, Yarmash, Nazarenko, Levchenko (Mandzyuk 46), Kravchenko, Gai, Gomenyuk (Gladkiy 66), Seleznev

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Linderoth keeps Sweden ticking over


Linderoth keeps Sweden ticking over



Sweden 1-0 Slovenia
Tobias Linderoth scored the only goal as Sweden continued their build-up to UEFA EURO 2008™ with a narrow victory against Slovenia.

Rare strike
The goal was only the second for the midfielder in 74 international appearances and capped a dramatic return to competitive football after six months without action at Galatasaray AS. The 29-year-old looked fresh and seemingly untroubled by his lengthy lay-off but remained cautious afterwards. "It was great to score but we'll have to see tomorrow to see how the body feels," he said.

Larsson influence
After a slow and quiet first period where Sweden created a couple of minor chances, half-time substitute Henrik Larsson was the catalyst for his side in the second half. Just seven minutes after coming on, the 36-year-old headed an effort just over then hit the post moments later. "It was great to be back," said the striker. "The tempo is higher than at Helsingborgs [IF], but I feel good and with any luck I could have scored today."

Players rested
Sweden coach Lars Lagerbäck gave a number of key players a rest with Zlatan Ibrahimović, Fredrik Ljungberg and Kim Källström all not playing, while Sebastian Larsson and Christian Wilhelmsson both were given a chance to shine.

Pleasing performances
"They did well," said the coach. "Sebastian Larsson is very mature and has learned a lot from playing in the English Premier League. Wilhelmsson is enjoying life at RC Deportivo La Coruña and it shows." Lagerbäck was also very pleased with Henrik Larsson's return. "He's a fantastic player and his experience will help us a lot," added the 59-year-old.

Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg (Granqvist 73), Majstorovic, Nilsson (Dorsin 78), Linderoth (Svensson 46), Sebastian Larsson (Alexandersson 78), Andersson, Wilhelmsson, Bakircioglü (Elmander 46), Allbäck (Henrik Larsson 46).

Slovenia: J. Handanovič, Jokič, Ilič, Cesar, Brečko, Kirm, Suler, Mörec, Sisič (Burgič 71), Stevanovič (Matič 60), Novakovič

Monday, May 26, 2008

Sweden become perennial finalists



Sweden become perennial finalists






How did they perform in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying?

• Sweden qualified in second place in Group F behind Spain, completing the job on the last night of qualifying when they beat Latvia 2-1 and Northern Ireland lost in Spain.
• Lars Lagerbäck's side made a bright start, winning their opening four games – including a 2-0 success over section favourites Spain courtesy of goals from Johan Elmander and Marcus Allbäck.
• They then suffered a setback when beaten 2-1 by Northern Ireland in Belfast in March 2007, with two goals from David Healy cancelling out Elmander's opener.
• Sweden were awarded a 3-0 win against Denmark in their next game after the qualifier in Copenhagen was abandoned after a Danish spectator attacked the match referee, who had just awarded Sweden a late penalty with the scores level at 3-3.
• Sweden would have qualified with two games to spare only to draw 1-1 at home against Northern Ireland. The champagne remained on ice after they lost their penultimate qualifier 3-0 in Spain.
• The victory over Latvia on 21 November 2007 – Kim Källström getting the winner - ensured qualification for a fifth successive major finals tournament. "We did what we had to do and that's all that matters," said Zlatan Ibrahimović.

How did they perform in the 2006 FIFA World Cup?

• Sweden finished level on points with Croatia in the qualifying group stage, but their 24 points from ten matches proved enough to secure one of the two automatic spots on offer for the final tournament for the strongest runners-up.
• They enjoyed a perfect campaign with the exception of their two 1-0 defeats at the hands of Croatia. Their other eight matches ended in victories by a combined margin of 30 goals scored with two conceded.
• Sweden qualified for the knockout phase of the finals as runners-up in their group following games against Trinidad and Tobago (0-0), Paraguay (1-0) and England (2-2).
• Their tournament in Germany was ended in the first knockout round, however, with 2-0 defeat at the hands of the hosts.

How did they perform in UEFA EURO 2004™?

• Sweden advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals before exiting on penalties to the Netherlands after the sides remained locked in a scoreless stalemate after extra-time.
• The Swedes opened the final tournament group stage with a 5-0 thrashing of Bulgaria before securing draws against Italy (1-1) and Denmark (2-2) to book their place in the knockout stages alongside their Scandinavian neighbours.
• Qualification for the final tournament was assured before their last-game slip-up at home to Latvia who left Stockholm with a 1-0 victory. In their previous seven games, Sweden amassed five wins and two draws with 19 goals scored and only two conceded.

What is their best performance in the UEFA European Championship?

• As tournament hosts, Sweden advanced to the semi-finals of the 1992 UEFA European Championship, a competition that was the last to feature eight teams in the final round. The Swedes topped their group following victories against Denmark (1-0) and England (2-1) after opening the competition with a 1-1 draw against France at the Råsunda stadium. But Sweden found Germany too stern an opponent in the semis, making their exit following a 3-2 defeat.

Key facts
• By reaching UEFA EURO 2008™, Sweden qualified for their fifth successive major international tournament.

All-time record
• Up until the end of UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Sweden had played 92 matches in the UEFA European Championship with 43 wins, 24 draws and 25 losses, 137 goals scored and 91 conceded.
• They did not participate in the 1960 UEFA European Championship.
• Sweden have recorded five 5-0 victories in the competition, but their highest winning margin came on 7 June 2003 when they defeated San Marino 6-0 in Serravalle with Mattias Jonson scoring a hat-trick.

SWEDEN - Tournament fixtures


Tournament fixtures



10/06/2008 Sweden v Greece 20:45
14/06/2008 Sweden v Spain 18:00
18/06/2008 Sweden v Russia 20:45

SWEDEN


SWEDEN



Coach: LAGERBÄCK

Squad list

Goalkeepers

»Andreas Isaksson
»Rami Shaaban
»Johan Wiland

Defenders

»Mikael Dorsin
»Andreas Granqvist
»Petter Hansson
»Daniel Majstorovic
»Olof Mellberg
»Fredrik Stoor

Midfielders

»Niclas Alexandersson
»Daniel Andersson
»Kim Källström
»Sebastian Larsson
»Tobias Linderoth
»Fredrik Ljungberg
»Mikael Nilsson
»Anders Svensson
»Christian Wilhelmsson

Forwards

»Henrik Larsson
»Marcus Allbäck
»Johan Elmander
»Zlatan Ibrahimović
»Markus Rosenberg