EURO 2008 Preview: Sweden vs. Spain

السبت، 14 يونيو 2008 - 11:43

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Spain vie with Sweden for the top spot of Group D in Innsbruck as both sides eye an early last eight berth.

Previous confrontations in the qualifying stage proved that it will be a close encounter between two sides who know each other well, even though Spain's stable squad makes them favorites.

Luis Aragones played down rift talks with Fernando Torres, as well as disco pictures caught for Sergio Ramos in an Innsbruck disco.

The Swedes have a couple of injury blows, which will force Lars Lagerback to apply slight alterations to the side that beat Greece.

Head-to-head:

Sweden win: 3

Spain win: 5

Draw: 4

Sweden

"What we've learned over the last couple of years against Spain is that, if your focus slips, they will hurt you," said Lagerback.

"Give them the ball and drop our concentration and they will play like they are the best in the world. That's what happened when we lost 3-0 in Madrid but I don't expect that again."

Team News: Christian Wilhelmsson tore a hamstring against Greece and Sebastian Larsson is expected to fill in the right flank.

Niclas Alexandersson is also out with a calf injury, as Fredrik Stoor is likely to deputize.

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

Spain

"Sweden have got big lads who win the ball in the air, so we must cut their supply," said Aragones.

"I think our left side is in great shape. David Silva can play anywhere across the pitch and Joan Capdevila could be a central defender, a wing-back, a midfielder, and he gives you goals."

Team News: Spain should be at full strength, and Aragones will decide whether to keep Cesc Fabregas on the bench or hand him a starting role.

Probable Line-up: Casillas- Ramos, Capdevila, Puyol, Marchena- Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Senna- Torres, Villa.

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