Lagerback’s tactical abilities may not be enough to spur a largely unskilled side to success at Euro 2008.
Judging from the teams that compose it, Group D is probably the most spectacular group of the four. With modern technique that is characteristic of Spain, the solid and pacey style of Greece and Sweden and Guus Hiddink’s Russia that is promising to surprise, all is yet to play for in this wide open group at Euro 2008.
Sweden
In their early history as a football nation Sweden had been a well recognized powerhouse with three top four finishes in four consecutive World Cup appearances. When it comes to the Euro, however, this will be only their fourth appearance at the tournament, and a semifinal finish on their debut when they hosted the event in 1992 is their best result thus far.
The Manager – Lars Lagerback
It has now been ten years for Lagerback with the national football team of Sweden. Although he started off as an assistant to Tommy Soderberg he was eventually handed full control of the squad in 2004. His achievements have been a far cry from the historic era when Sweden was feared by all nations. However, so have been the players that emerged from the country since then.
As a manager he only coached within Swedish borders and despite a short curriculum his abilities as an expert tactician were recognized by the football association of Sweden which handed him a prominent role in setting out the on-pitch plans.
The Squad
Euro 2008 will be another chance for Sweden to get a taste of glory after a long time. In truth, however, with the restricted number of star players at his disposal, Lagerback will be content with a good showing and perhaps a semifinal encounter.
The most representative player for Sweden has to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Often proven to be a dangerously explosive mix of genius and instinct, Zlatan has never been loved much by the Swedish fans. In exchange, he never gave his best for the national side, putting individual and club interests way ahead of Sweden.
Emblematic of this fact are his seven appearances and zero goals in the Euro 2008 qualification campaign. Out of a total of 23 goals that had Sweden qualify behind Spain in Group F, one would have expected Zlatan to at least have one in his name. Just one assist is his contribution to this goal tally, sparking great contrasts with his club form in recent years.
Luckily for Sweden, Elmander and Allback are an excellent alternative to the moody Ibrahimovic. In two they have netted almost half the goals for their side. Allback, who played a part in three goals and scored another six, will be particularly keen to make his mark at Euro 2008 since, at 34 years of age, he will be hanging up his boots and placing his clean Sweden shirt at the bottom of the drawer.
Balls will be coming from the creative Kallstrom and wingers Wilhelmsson and Ljungberg. Anders Svensson has also proven himself inspirational during the Euro 2008 qualifications and will be employed as required by the manager. The forward advances will be covered for by the ever present Linderoth.
Hansson and Mellberg are a powerful and brave defensive duo. Despite their over 30 status they are expected to be the main holding pillars for the Swedish backline. Unfortunately, another defender who gave a big contribution at the qualifications for Euro 2008, Edman, will be missing out on the tournament due to a severe knee injury.
Edman’s absence adds on to another tactical headache for Lagerback who is still having to consider Isaksson’s role as number one choice between the posts. His lack of match fitness due to sporadic use of his goalkeeping talents by Manchester City coach Sven Goran Eriksson have been a concern. Shaaban is rearing to take his place but Lagerback will probably still opt for Isaksson in the end.
Prediction
Zlatan, Isaksson and the restricted choices in defence are worrying signs for Sweden ahead of Euro 2008. The team is not yet well equipped and ready to face a difficult major tournament as this one. The top teams in their qualification group have all had the best of them whenever they played away from home highlighting a problem with travels for the Swedes.
Another disappointment looms at Euro 2008 as Sweden seek to overcome challenges from well organized and talented sides in Group D. Perhaps in two or three years time some new emerging talents will surface to help Sweden become great once again. But for now they will have to work hard to keep up with the rest.
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