footballspectator

In a frustrating match in Berlin, Sweden edged Paraguay 1-0, thanks to Freddie Ljungberg’s deft header. Sweden were again poor in front of goal with superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic looking slow and unfit and wasting a good chance when he scuffed his shot when clean through. The problem is that Sweden are not Brazil. They not do not have superstars in reserve that they can call on when their first team do not perform. Instead, they have players like Marcus Allback - willing but ultimately useless. His attempt to chip excellent Paraguay goalie Bobadilla was a good example. Allback wheeled away to celebrate but suddenly realised he had not given his shot enough and turned back to try to make amends but it was too late as Caniza cleared off the line. A fit Zlatan would have buried that chance.

The Swedes now play England to decide first place in the group. If both continue to play as they have so far, this could rival France v Switzerland for the title of most boring match of the tournament. Germany and Ecuador should not be worried.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 15th, 2006 at 22:48 and is filed under WorldCup + Sweden. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.