Spain vs Sweden preview

Posted on | June 14, 2008 | No Comments

1964 champions Spain take on Sweden in a Group D match tonight, knowing fully well that a win will see Luis Aragones’ side joining Portugal, Croatia and the Netherlands in the last eight of the competition.

Spain were impressive in their 4-1 demolition of Russia, only probably bettered by the way the Dutch played against Italy. Their midfield controlled the game, and delivered defence splitting passes that their strikers, Torres and Villa, used to score. The diagonal runs that Villa and Torres cleverly made behind the Russian defence would not have gone unnoticed by Lars Largerback. Sweden know Spain well, with both the teams having been in the same group during qualifying. The Swedes won one of the two game 2-0, with Spain taking the other 3-0. There was no obvious weakness displayed by the Spanish when they played Russia, although rightback Sergio Ramos did not look all that assured. It often fell to Puyol and his fellow defenders to clear the danger. Ramos will want to put on an improved show, and today, he will be up against West Ham’s Freddie Ljungberg. Spain are expected to retain their same 11, which means Fabregas has to be content with a spot on the bench.

Sweden were unconvincing in their 2-0 win over Russia. Zlatan Ibrahmovic’s goal was the only real touch of brilliance in that game, and the other one scored by Petter Hansson, could at best be described as fortituous and scrappy. Tobias Linderoth did not start, and if he is fit, should do so in this game. Sweden’s defenders, Mellberg and Hansson in particular, will have a tough time against Torres and Villa, who displayed great guile, skill and finishing to bamboozle the Russian defence. We will see a new look Swedish pair on the right hand side- winger Christian Wilhelmsson and right back Niclas Alexandersson are both injured. Johan Elmander and Freddie Stoor are likely to be their replacements. Lagerback could also give Sebastian Larsson a chance to start ahead of Elmander.

Spain are the side expected to dominate. However Sweden have managed to hold their own against big sides in previous tournaments- they held England to a draw at the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, and also managed to pick up a point against Argentina in 2002. Spain should win this 2-1, with goals from Villa, Torres and probably Henrik Larsson.

Related posts:

1. Russia vs Spain preview
2. Russia vs Sweden preview
3. Spain vs Iraq preview
4. Greece vs Sweden preview
5. Spain v South Africa preview- 3rd place playoff

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