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.