T&T surprise Sweden
Trininad & Tobago pulled off a remarkable result against Sweden in the afternoon match in Dortmund yesterday. The smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, held the Swedes to a 0-0 draw despite having to play almost the entire second half with 10 men following the dismissal of Avery John for two robust challenges. The Swedes created numerous chances but came up against a wall in the form of goalkeeper Shaka Hislop who pulled off a series of remarkable saves. Hislop was a last minute replacement for Kelivin Jack, T&T’s number one who injured himself in the warm-up. T&T were almost rewarded for Beenhakker’s boldness in sending on an extra attacker following the sending off, when Glen’s vicious shot crashed against the crossbar.
Ultimately it was Sweden’s lack of ideas in midfield which cost them, as they relied too heavily on the trio of Ibrahimovic, Larsson and Ljungberg to create. Linderoth was functional (which is not what was needed) and Sweden would have been better off starting with Kallstrom’s passing and vision. The match against Paraguay is now crucial for the Swedes and the Paraguayans must be confident based on yesterday’s showing. England were ultimately the main beneficiaries of this result.
