Lagerback doesn't fear German crowds

السبت، 24 يونيو 2006 - 13:39

كتب : Amro Hassan

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said that playing Germany before their home crowds in the first knock-out stage of the World Cup will not trouble his players.

After securing a hard-fought qualification as runners-up to England in group B, the Swedes will meet Group A winners Germany in the last 16.

"It is a little advantage for the German team to be playing at home but my players can handle it," Lagerback was quoted as saying by BBC Sport on Friday.

"We have to leave the spectators aside and concentrate on our own match, if we play like we did against England then I will be satisfied."

Despite admitting that the Germans have almost a flawless team, Lagerback was confident of his players.

"I can't see any Germany weak links but my team is looking good," Lagerback said.

"We will do some light training, but eating, drinking and sleeping, that's absolutely important for us, you have to get fresh again and after three group matches, we now have only three days to rest."

Lagerback said he paid special attention to the spot kicks as Sweden were eliminated from the European 2004 championship quarter-finals after the defeat on penalties to Holland.

"You have to be prepared to go to penalties, and this time we'll decide before the game which players take the penalties," the Swede said.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still doubtful for the Germany game and Lagerback is yet to confirm whether he'll play the Juventus striker or not.

Marcus Allback replaced Ibrahimovic against England in Sweden's final group game and scored during the 2-2 draw.

"Zlatan trained on Wednesday which is positive, but it's one thing to train for 65 minutes and a different matter to play a whole game," Lagerback added.

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