Asllani braced to outmuscle Azzurrine
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Article summary
She may be a huge fan of Zlatan Ibrahimović's flair, but Sweden winger Kosovare Asllani believes that pure, physical strength could be crucial to overcoming Italy.
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Lease of life
Asllani arrived in the Loire Valley on the crest of a wave having really established herself in the first team at club side Linköpings FC over the past few months. Yet it was precisely that new-found impetus which saw her struggle as Sweden laboured to an opening-day win against Scotland, a run of three games in seven days prior to linking up with the squad catching up with her. "We want her legs to be fit," explained coach Calle Barrling after he rested her against Germany, before restoring the player to the starting XI for the Group A decider with England on Sunday – it proved inspired.
Ibrahimović influence
While her team-mates struggled to adapt to the frenetic pace, Asllani hurried and harried along the left flank. Sweden nevertheless fell behind but their No10 continued her endeavour, and having been denied by the upright in the first half, it was her dangerous run that drew a penalty after the hour. Louise Fors stepped up and sent Barrling's team through to the last four. "I like to perform with speed first, then technique," Asllani said of her penchant for running at defenders. "It's hard for opponents to read my mind because I'm faster than them. In that way Zlatan has been a really big influence – I love how he plays. He doesn't have a normal Swedish style. He has technique, he's tall and he's strong."
Italy test
She would like to one day meet her hero, but for now such aspirations can wait. First is the task of overcoming Italy in the final four in the Loire Valley and Asllani is confident her side have the right quality to do just that. "Our goal was to get into the final and I think we've got a really good chance," she said. "Italy are technically good, play fast but we are better than them, physically, so they may tire after 60 minutes or so and we can capitalise." Sweden will hope that with Fors suspended Asllani can harbour even more of the burden in this respect, and Barrling certainly believes she has the X Factor, saying: "She's an exceptionally good player. When she's on the pitch, if we can defend well then she'll create chances."
