Shaban favourite to start as keeper

With expectation rising, it’s now only a matter of hours ahead of our opening match against Trinidad & Tobago. The major talking point has to be who will start in goal in place of Isaksson.

Former national keeper Magnus Hedman is tipping Rami Shaban.
“He’s got the confidence to take space out there on the field,” Hedman told news agency TT [lose translation].

Lasse Eriksson, goalkeeping coach for Stockholm side Hammarby and former Sweden reserve keeper, is not so sure.

“But I’d go for the one who is mentally strongest,” he told TT.

I still favour Shaban. He’s got the right attitude and seems ready to grab the number one jersey with both hands. He’s been up for this ever since he was a shock selection for the squad.

Everyone I know is saying “It doesn’t matter Isaksson misses the first match. We’re going to win anyway.”

I’m more cautious. As Ecuador and Costa Rico proved this evening, every team is capable of scoring.

Let’s hope Henke has his boots on come kick off!