Nilsson setting sights on semis

By Tim Dykes in Mannheim

Sweden coach Torbjörn Nilsson has revealed he is likely to rest several key players, including leading striker Johan Elmander, for his team's final UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B game against Portugal on Wednesday.

New players
The Swedes are already assured of a place in the Oberhausen semi-final as Group B winners and Nilsson said: "I had not expected to go through after two games. We have a lot of new players coming in tomorrow. Elmander is very tired in his legs so I think he will rest."

Swiss first
The striker, who scored three goals and set up another as unfancied Sweden raced away with the pool, insisted his colleagues are focused on the Swiss rather than the semi-finals. "It's really important for us to end the group pretty well," said the 23-year-old. "First we have to take the game against Switzerland, then we can think about the other game.

Video homework
"We've not been hearing anything but I believe we'll rest a couple of players. We've seen half of Switzerland's game against Germany but I think we're going to see more of them on video. I know they have a couple of good players - but to be honest I only know their numbers, not their names."

Good attackers
Nilsson sent his chief scout Roland Larsson to watch both of Switzerland's previous group matches. "They have to win so they will play an offensive game again," Larsson explained. "They have good players like David Chiumiento, who played in an attacking midfield role against Portugal, and the PSV Eindhoven player [Johan] Vonlanthen."

Mainz in mind
Bernard Challandes may be returning to the stands after his two-match coaching ban, but he will also be following the game 80km away between Portugal and the hosts, who need just a draw to qualify. "First we want to see if we can win," said the Swiss coach. "Then we'll look to Mainz and hope Germany do not.

Compact and organised
"If Sweden rest players I'm not sure it will be an advantage. Those players that come in will be keen to do well and I have been impressed by the Swedes in general. They are compact and organised and although some people have been surprised, they proved they were a good team long before this tournament by defeating Spain in the play-offs."