It’s make or break time
Tonight’s match is being dubbed as a “Make or Break match” by many Swedish fans here in Sweden. Many so-called expert commentators are putting their money on a draw, though.
Looking at the coverage you can see that pressure is mounting on Lars Lagerbäck and his players.
What with ugly spats between players in the dressing room and animosity on the training pitch, Sweden’s image as a harmonious side with players working together as friends as well as team-mates has taken a battering. Now it’s all about winning.
With that in mind Lagerbäck is expected to field a more offensively-minded side in Berlin tonight with Anders Svensson, much criticised by the press in the wake of Saturday’s result, likely to start on the bench. Fans’ favourite, Lyon-midfielder, Kim Källström is tipped to be handed his first World Cup start after impressing as a substitute in Saturday’s game.
Poor Kim, it’s like the weight of the country’s expectation is on him. Still, I think this a great opportunity for him to show what he’s made of: After all, this must surely be the kind of evening you dream of as a kid: playing for your country in the World Cup with the odds stacked against you.
With Paraguay also under pressure having lost 1-0 to England in their opening match of the tournament, I’m predicting the match will be an edgy contest with both sides wary of being exposed at the back. In the past Sweden sides have coped better against stronger sides, hitting opponents on the counter-attack, and then defending well. It was evident on Saturday that Zlatan, Henke Larsson, Freddie Ljungberg & Co were uncomfortable taking the game to Trinidad Tobago. I’m sure that against a more adventurous Paraguay side there will be a few moments when there’s more space up front. This is when Zlatan & Co really have to show their class.
With a few Sweden flags flying around the city in anticipation of tonight’s match, I’m expecting more to become apparent during the day as nine o’clock and kick-off edges closer. Everyone is talking about THE match of the year so far. If Sweden get the win they crave, expect the party to begin both in Berlin where all the Swedish fans are and on the streets of Stockholm.
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Swedish fans are everywhere in Berlin right now and for the last few days. Great colours and all ready for the match. Let’s hope they find the back of the net this time.
Posted from
Germany




the odds are hardly stacked against sweden. paraguay are ok, but with the players sweden have, they should still win. it’s not like they’re going to beat england
Posted from
United Kingdom




Sweden doesn’t need to change anything in their approach. They played beautifully against Trinidad & Tobago. They were just a bit unlucky in their strikes, perhaps pressing a bit too hard as the failed attempts mounted. Trinidad & Tobago also got a Herculean effort from their backup keeper. If I were Sweden’s coach, I’d simply look to re-assure my players, tell them to relax, run hard, remain alert, always be thinking, and have fun. England were lucky to get their win, and based on form will be lucky to get another before playing Sweden. I look for a win today, and another against England to see Sweden through as group champions.




Stuart – I like your call and agree. I think the animosity/in-fighting are all good signs the Swedes are frustrated and ready to let loose today. Excited to see Kallstrom make his first WC start and show the world he is capable of taking at the opponent and creating cahnces for Larsson and Zlatan. While I think England will show improvement and defeat T&T I like Sweden to win today and against england to take the group.
Posted from
United States




Both teams need a big win if they want to advance; Sweden isn’t necessarily less pressured: if it ties here and loses to England, its fate is in other teams’ hands, and both Paraguay and Trinidad would have a big chance to make it past Sweden into the second round. Same goes for Paraguay: a win here gives its chances a huge lift. So the only thing decided in this group is England, and even that: barely.
Posted from
United States




Those Swedish heads rising up for their corner kicks are like pistons looking for their spark. So far, nada.
Posted from
United States


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