Is it all over already?
My Icelandic brother-in-law told me today “Sweden are basically out of the World Cup.”
He was being deadly serious.
“If you don’t beat Paraguay it’s all over.”
In a moment of weakness I could see what he meant.
“But with Källström in the team things will be different,” I said, not sure if I believed this myself entirely.
He looked at me then shrugged. “Lagerbäck will pick Svensson again. Just to spite everyone. That’s the way things are done in Sweden. You don’t change things easily.”
His comments have bugged me all evening. Despite the glorious weather the only thing I can think of is: Is this it? Can we beat Paraguay?
Come on guys? Let’s have your thoughts. What chance have Sweden got against a side that pushed England all the way yesterday?
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I give Sweden a good chance against Paraguay, for two reasons:
1) Sweden were a bit unlucky that their great attacking did not lead to any goals (give great credit to Hislop playing out of his mind).
2) The quality of Sweden will show facing a critical situation.
Keep the faith.
Posted from
United States




Jon, from the start of the World Cup I said that the key match in this Group is Sweden v. Paraguay.
At least, Paraguay knows from the beggining that we must beat Sweden if we want to made it to the next round.
I hope for the benefit of the show and for the wellness of Paraguay, that our coach use a more aggresive tactic against Sweden, like the one that were use in the last part of the qualifying phase.
Cheers,
Posted from
United States




It’s not over if they can beat Paraguay by more than England did.
Posted from
United States




Jon – Sweden can beat paraguay, of course. Most likely, that would set you up for second place in the group, if things fall right.
The Swedish attack is potent…some better finishing will likely make the difference.




I appreciate the support guys. It all comes down to scoring: the one thing we’ve been dreadful at lately.
If Henke and Zlatan can just get off the mark our tournement could come alive.
Posted from
Sweden




I, too, think Sweden has a fair shot at beating Paraguay. Paraguay looked pretty soft in its attack and not especially skilled in defense, and I believe (or perhaps hope is more accurate) that Sweden can get over the jitters we saw in the first match.
The question then is how many goals… if Sweden can come out firing on all cylinders and score early, I think the sky will be the limit.
Posted from
Sweden




If Sweden can’t beat Paraguay they don’t deserve to go through. Although it will be tricky, I am relatively confident that they will do it. I will try my best to help from the stands (assuming I can get in with the ticket I got off of ebay with the original buyer’s name still on it).
Posted from
United States




You will beat Paraguay. You must. I’d love to see Sweden go through – especially if the Warriors are going with you!
Posted from
United Kingdom




Jon, c’mon man, the offense isn’t dreadful. Sweden played some beautiful offense. The game could have easily been 4-0 and you know it. Hislop played the game of his life and it appeared that God had it out for the Swedes. I don’t think anyone could have beat T&T yesterday, Brazil included.
Sweden will come out with a vegence, albeit a desperate one, and will defeat both Paraguay and an unconfident English team.
GIVE ‘EM HELL SWEDEN!!
Posted from
United States




you guys can absolutely get over paraguay, jon. have faith (i know you do) and all shall come good. henke has shown good form for barcelona, even if zlatan and freddie don’t fire, and zlatan wasn’t that far away against T&T.
besides all that, you guys have to come good if only to warm the hearts of australian’s world wide by giving england a good kicking
Posted from
Sweden




good lord, i’ve apostrophificated incorrectly! oh the grammar!
Posted from
Sweden




Sweden will get to the qtr finals, if they had scored from the amount of chances they created, it was just sheer frustration from trying to hard to beat so called minnows.
Qtr finals not a problem, they are an organised side who play with pride and for the shirt they wear…which is something many players need to learn, PRIDE
Posted from
United Kingdom




I’m convinced it will all come down to the Eng v Swe game…bring it on!
Posted from
United Kingdom




Sweden will make it to the 2nd round. If they do, they will be very dangerous. Sweden will beat Paraguay 2-0. And England 1-0 to finish 1st in group play. Paraguay will finish 4th behind T and T. The defense is solid and the goals will come. Good wakeup call for Sverige.
Posted from
United States




I agree its a good wakeup call that should create some urgency. Sweden played a great game but unfortunately Hislop did as well. Trinidad gutted out a draw and should be commended but Sweden should still feel confident.
Freddie played a great agressive game, Zlatan created good chances in difficult situations and Wilhelmsson played at a high level throughout the match. I was a bit disappointed Larsson didn’t create as much as he usually does but its likely he’ll deliver against Paraguay. The defense was solid but largely untested and think Paraguay should definitely test them a bit more.
The weakest link is Lagerback. Kallstrom needs to start Svensson should come in off the bench if needed.
I like the floodgates to open with Larsson, Zlatan, and Kallstrom getting one a piece to beat Paraguay 3-1.
Posted from
United States




Sweden don’t need to beat paraguay at Thursday, all we need is a draw.
Then we’ll have two points and against England I think we ahve a good chance of winning.
I mean, if England beats Trinidad & Tobago (which I think they will, even if we were unlucky not to) then they are automatically qualified to the second round, and then they’ll ahve nothing to fight for in the Sweden-match. Taht emnas Sweden will get through as well!
But of course we shall play to win the Paraguay-match. I think we ahve a good offensive that we can sue very well, but I think we need to sharpen our skills at situations like corners and free kicks if we are gonna win this match.
And, definetly, Källström SHOULD play. Svensson’s only good thing in his career is the goal on a free kick against Argentina back in 2002 World Cup. Källström on the other hand has many great things in his career to do. I think he’ll go far. Up into the heavens, people!
Posted from
Sweden




did you hear??!! källström is not gonna play from the bginning of the match today! OMG I hate lagerbäck
Posted from
Sweden


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