Sweden sense their time is now
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Article summary
With Spain travelling to Denmark, Sweden know they must "stay focused and professional" in Liechtenstein if they are to remain in charge of a tight Group F table.
Article body
Having moved into pole position to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008™ from Group F, Sweden have to "stay focused and play professionally" in Liechtenstein on Saturday. Those were the words of coach Lars Lagerbäck, who knows any slip-up against the minnows would cause the tension to rise before the visit of fellow challengers Northern Ireland next Wednesday.
'Job to do'
Despite being held to a scoreless home draw by Denmark in September, Sweden have 19 points along with Spain at the section summit – and crucially, they have a much better goal difference and a game in hand. With the Spaniards travelling to Denmark this weekend, Sweden sense their time is now. "It's easy to say we should beat Liechtenstein, but we have a job to do," said Lagerbäck.
Minor knocks
In-form FC Internazionale Milano forward Zlatan Ibrahimović is suspended for the match in Vaduz, while Niclas Alexandersson is out because of a problem with his right foot. "After yesterday's session, Niclas and the doctors decided he should return to [IFK] Göteborg to do some rehab training instead, but hopefully he'll join up with us again on Sunday," said Lagerbäck, who expects Olof Mellberg, captain Fredrik Ljungberg and Rade Prica to overcome minor ailments in time to feature.
'Looking better'
The coach explained: "It's looking better. Mellberg's got a problem with his back which usually fixes itself after three or four days so we're playing it safe with him. Fredrik might need some injections, while Rade is feeling better today." With Ibrahimović missing, Prica is vying with Marcus Allbäck and Markus Rosenberg for a starting position alongside Johan Elmander.
Suspension worry
"The way we're playing, with two attacking players rather than a target man, I haven't started many games lately but I've accepted that," said FC København's Allbäck, scorer of 28 goals in 66 internationals. "I've started many games in the past, I am eager to play and I feel fine." Another concern for Lagerbäck is that eight of his squad go into the game a booking away from suspension. "You can't think about these things before a match, but if we can establish a comfortable lead we might choose to play it safe."
