G6 Team Profile: SWEDEN
In World Cup qualifying, Sweden played well and seemed to have little trouble finding the net. Midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal) scored seven times as did powerful striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus). Verteran Henrik Larsson (Barcelona) added four more goals.
In Germany, team captain Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa) will anchor the defense while Andreas Isaksson (Rennes), who was quite impressive during qualifying, will provide sure hands between the sticks. In the midfield Tobias Linderoth (Copenhagen) should hold down the center while Christian Wilhelmsson (Anderlecht) handles the right side. Kim Kallstrom (Rennes) often plays an attacking role from the midfield.
The Swedish bench will also be deep. Options include Marcus Allback (Copenhagen), a veteran of the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga, and playmaker Johan Elmander (Brondby). Much of the rest of the team is young and talented. The warm-up games before the tournament may be just what coach Lars Lagerback needs to pull everyone together.
The fate of Sweden this summer is a tough call. They could bomb out in the first round or they could be semi-finalists. The long, distinguished career of Henrik Larsson is winding down and he would love nothing better than to go out with a bang. If he is able to score and his temperamental strike partner Ibrahimovic, who is only 25 years old, can stay focused, the Swedes could go far. This will be Sweden’s eleventh trip to the World Cup Finals. Maybe this will be the time fate smiles upon them.
Comments
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be one of history's best soccer player EVER born.
Posted by: Kevin | May 23, 2006 08:35 AM
This will probably Sweden's best world cup ever since 1958 when they got to the finals but lost to Brazil 4-2.
Posted by: Kevin | May 23, 2006 08:39 AM
sweeden is a good team but they would have to do their best because there is alot of competition.they have one of the most talented players in the world (zlatan ibrahimovic) and if he uses his talent appropiate ,in strength of the team they might have a chance.
Posted by: kaejay | May 24, 2006 11:19 AM
This team gonna do something this time
Posted by: Click Seven | May 24, 2006 03:50 PM
ibrahimovic is the most overated striker in the world. He may have some moves, but lets face it, less than 10 goals in italy this season. Thats not going to do it for any stiker. Sweden goes nowhere.
Posted by: brandon | May 25, 2006 12:10 PM
sweden is a good team. but they will lose 2 Germany. tay r good
Posted by: bob | August 19, 2006 11:50 PM
what number did johanelmander wear for sweden in euro 2008.does anyone no.thanks
Posted by: courtney | August 6, 2008 05:47 AM
What a great resuroce this text is.
Posted by: Zaylin | August 3, 2011 06:00 AM