 |
Greece v Sweden – Pre-View - Euro 2008 Group D | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
|
Kai Crawshaw cautiously predicts a Swedish victory in their opening game of Euro 2008 against Euro 2004 Champions Greece.Many, including myself believe this is the game and the teams which will battle it out for third and fourth respectively, but Greece and Sweden may have other ideas. Greece are current European champions but many have already wrote off their chances are reproducing the goods this year. They will however approach every game in the same manner – defend formidably, run endlessly and snatch a winner from a set-piece. It may be boring football but it worked well last year and Greece and Coach Otto Rehhagel (who should be managing at a higher level) will be hoping for a similar set of performances this year. Greece have only named five midfielders for this year’s tournament, but a staggering nine defenders, giving an indication to the way in which they play their football. Sweden will also be looking to reach the knockout stages, and either Spain or Russia will have to fall if that is to be the case. Sweden boasts a hugely experienced and talented squad, but may come undone at the back. Going forward is a different story, and they will prove a difficult team to stop if key players perform well. Serial under-achiever in major tournaments and for Sweden Zlatan Ibrahimovic needs a good performance to cement his status as one of the best strikers in the world. He will be boosted by the addition of Henrik Larsson who will provide relief upfront and will see this as his final farewell. Sweden should be too strong going forward for Greece, but the same was said four years ago to disastrous consequences. Sweden will have to be patient and be wary of counter attacks and set pieces. An early goal for either team could kill this game off, but Sweden look most likely to be the victors in this one. June 10 – 7.45pm Kick-off
Kai Crawshaw Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |