EURO 2008 Preview: Russia vs. Sweden

الأربعاء، 18 يونيو 2008 - 04:15

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Russia too good for Sweden

Russia and Sweden battle for the only quarter-finals spot remaining in the EURO 2008 group stage finale in Innsbruck.

A draw is not an option for the Russians, who have an inferior goal difference compared to their opposition.

Head-to-head:

Russia win: 0

Sweden win: 3

Draw: 2

Russia

"We're happy to have the opportunity to play this decisive game, especially when you see that other teams have gone home already. I'd have preferred the option to go for a draw but it's OK," said Guus Hiddink.

Team News: Russia are boosted by the return of inspirational forward Andrei Arshavin after serving a two-match suspension.

However, Hiddink implied that the Zenit St Petersburg ace is not a certain starter as the in-form Roman Pavlyuchenko is set to lead the frontline.

Probable Line-up: Akinfeev- Ignashevich, Kolodin, Anyukov- Semak, Semshov, Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov, Zyrianov, Torbinski- Pavlyuchenko.

Sweden

"Russia have a strong team offensively and we have to be very focused on that. All their players are good; they're very strong on the left side in particular," said Lars Lagerback.

"What we need to improve on is keeping the ball in the final third. It's very difficult to say who the favorites are as it's such a decisive game. It starts at 50-50 I think."

Team News: The Swedes are sweating over the fitness of talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is struggling with a troublesome knee.

Probable Line-up: Isaksson- Stoor, Nilsson, Mellberg, Hansson- D. Andersson, Svensson, Ljungberg, Elmander- Larsson, Ibrahimovic.

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