Sweden

By Richard Pedler

JAKARTA (JP): Sweden were desperate at Italia'90. Three losses, including one to Costa Rica, and they were out on their backsides. Since then, new coach Tommy Svensson has taken his team to the European Championship semi-finals and just one defeat in the USA'94 qualifiers. Big name stars like Brolin, Dahlin, Thern and Schwarz have become stars abroad and raised expectations to new heights.

While critics claim Sweden's football resembles their cars - practical but without flair, Svensson has transformed his charges from physical direct play to a more cultured passing unit. "It'd be foolish to play kick-and-rush when I can call on skillful performers like Jonas Thern, Tomas Brolin and Stefan Rehn."

The new Brolin

Promising midfielder Par Zetterberg has been ruled out of the finals with a serious knee injury, but in his place has emerged Jesper Blomqvist, "the new Brolin." However Brolin himself recently lost his appetite following local media criticism. Fortunately harmonious relations were restored after he scored in a friendly against Wales.

Sweden's player of the year Martin Dahlin is the man in form, having scored seven vital qualifying goals. Fast and energetic, he has led by example with his work-rate. But his fearlessness often gets him booked, and his speed will make him the first target of opposing stopper-choppers.

Veteran keeper

Team-work is the key to Viking success. Although wing backs Roland Nilsson and Joachim Bjorklund (Svensson's nephew) have pace, the center of the defense is slow and easily breached without midfield cover. But eccentric keeper Thomas Ravelli will always entertain. As he approaches the Swedish record of 115 caps, Ravelli has the experience and personality to pull off heroic saves, while making the odd disastrous blunder.

In midfield, Stefan Schwarz and Thern will battle to give Brolin room to roam upfront. From the bench, Anders Limpar can add a touch of much-needed unpredictability (his penalty dives compare with Klinsmann's best). The youthful zest of Mats Lilienberg (top league scorer last year) or the height of target man Kennet Andersson offer other variations in attack.

Svensson's 4-4-2 zonal system could be torn apart by experienced opponents, and unfortunately Sweden's Group foes are battle-hardened, and all have fast central strikers. Although they have never beaten Brazil in five Finals encounters, if the Vikings make the knockout stage it will be a moral victory and the pressure will be off.

The battle of the Vikings takes place this Sunday night in Stockholm at 11 p.m. and can be seen live on RCTI after the French Open tennis men's final.

Tomorrow: The Chaste Swiss