Wernbloom raises Sweden's pulse

Midfield dynamo Pontus Wernbloom is the opposite of a typically ice-cool Swedish sports icon such as Björn Borg or Annika Sörenstam. While they are known for their reserve and control, the 22-year-old is a bubbly livewire who lets his feelings out, on and off the pitch.

Upbeat
"I guess I'm a manic depressive or something," Wernbloom says, letting out a trademark bellowing laugh that belies any serious concern over his mental health. He is talking at the team hotel in Bastad, where the majority of the press are hovering around Marcus Berg, hat-trick hero against Belarus. Berg is sitting on a plush sofa, while Wernbloom and a few team-mates take their place behind wooden tables in the lobby to speak to the remaining reporters. Still with a wide grin, he adds: "One minute I'll be furious, the next I'll just laugh."

Boundless energy
Anyone who has watched Wernbloom play will know what he means. Swedish football fans have grown accustomed to seeing him buzz around the field with seemingly boundless energy and passion, jumping into any challenge, physical or verbal. Dutch supporters will soon get to know him too as he joins champions AZ Alkmaar after the tournament. They will likely take quickly to the approachable youngster from Kungalv outside Gothenburg. "I find it boring when athletes don't show their feelings," says Wernbloom. "Everyone claims to love their sport, so why not show it? Of course there's pressure at this level, but you've got to have fun as well."

'Get physical'
Wernbloom's ball-winning was crucial to Sweden's success against Belarus on Tuesday and he will relish the test that Italy's Serie A stars pose on Friday. "We won't beat them on an individual level, but we can do it as a team. But we can't waste as many passes as against Belarus and the Italians won't give us as many chances either." The Azzurrini may also have most of the possession in Helsingborg, but that does not bother Wernbloom. "As long as they pass the ball around their back line, at least 50 or 60 metres from our goal, I'm fine with it. But when they start to approach our final third we need to get physical."

'Tease and annoy'
Wernbloom, 23 next Thursday, will not be shirking a challenge. He was happy to step up and score from the spot in a 1-1 February friendly draw with Italy, and though a striker by trade he has successfully taken on the central midfield berth asked of him by coaches Tommy Söderberg and Jörgen Lennartsson. Capped twice at senior level, he is also ready for some verbal sparring if it will help Sweden's cause. "I like to tease and annoy opponents," he says. "That's the way I play. I'll use it against Italy if needed to make them lose focus, though our own game remains the key to success." For a man who wears the words 'Veni, vidi, vici' tattooed down his left arm, it should not take much to get under the Italians' skin.