Sweden
Group C: USA, North Korea and Colombia.
Background: One of the traditional powerhouses of women's football, I think the key question after the Euros 2009, when Sweden were so strong in the Group Phase only to go out somewhat anti-climatically in the Q-Final against eternal rivals Norway was how they were going to rejuvenate with the retirement of captain and talisman Victoria Svensson.
Tactics: With Victoria Svensson, they played a traditional, rigid 4-4-2. Based on what i saw yesterday, i think they are looking to play with more fluidity, more swapping of positions in a 4-4-2/4-3-3. They have players who are very comfortable on the wing like Sjogran, Schelin and Asllani.
Strengths: Strong, tall and physical team which is technically good as well and blessed with a number of long range shooters. I thought back in 2009, they were that one team who could have pushed Germany all the way.
Weaknesses: dodgy goalkeeper, mental strength?
Key Players:
Caroline Seger
Heartbeat of the team in midfield, all-action midfielder who arrives late in the box and packs a powerful shot as well.
Sara Thunebro
Marauding left-back, responsible for the set-pieces and loves to shoot from range.
Charlotte Rohlin
Ball-playing centre back who reads the game well and always seems to score from corners.
Lotta Schelin
The name says it all.
Players to watch:
Sofia Jakobsson
Made her debut yesterday. Young forward who is both strong in the air and good with her feet, in line with the Swedish tradition.
Kosovare Asllani
Didn't play yesterday. Skilful pacey forward who i think can be the impact sub in the tournament.
Louise Fors
the girl with the golden left foot. i remember her coming on as a sub against Norway in 2009 and hitting the woodwork with her free-kick. I am not sure if she's still in the coach's plans. I hope she is, because she has got such a sweet left foot.
Chances: I feel that Sweden has a solid team that can definitely challenge. However, i feel that they lack that little bit extra to win the tournament. They have maybe 5 really outstanding players while the rest of the team is just good. they have to come up with a robust system to make up for it. Another problem that i see is a potential reliance on long range shooting and setpieces to score. the only problem with Schelin playing on the flank is that the forwards they have are not really prolific goalscorers from open play.
It must be stressed that Sweden have been drawn in the group of death. while north korea seem dodgy nowadays, based on reputation alone, they should be respected. usa are ranked no1, and colombia try to play with flair and will know they have nothing to lose.
Background: One of the traditional powerhouses of women's football, I think the key question after the Euros 2009, when Sweden were so strong in the Group Phase only to go out somewhat anti-climatically in the Q-Final against eternal rivals Norway was how they were going to rejuvenate with the retirement of captain and talisman Victoria Svensson.
Tactics: With Victoria Svensson, they played a traditional, rigid 4-4-2. Based on what i saw yesterday, i think they are looking to play with more fluidity, more swapping of positions in a 4-4-2/4-3-3. They have players who are very comfortable on the wing like Sjogran, Schelin and Asllani.
Strengths: Strong, tall and physical team which is technically good as well and blessed with a number of long range shooters. I thought back in 2009, they were that one team who could have pushed Germany all the way.
Weaknesses: dodgy goalkeeper, mental strength?
Key Players:
Caroline Seger
Heartbeat of the team in midfield, all-action midfielder who arrives late in the box and packs a powerful shot as well.
Sara Thunebro
Marauding left-back, responsible for the set-pieces and loves to shoot from range.
Charlotte Rohlin
Ball-playing centre back who reads the game well and always seems to score from corners.
Lotta Schelin
The name says it all.
Players to watch:
Sofia Jakobsson
Made her debut yesterday. Young forward who is both strong in the air and good with her feet, in line with the Swedish tradition.
Kosovare Asllani
Didn't play yesterday. Skilful pacey forward who i think can be the impact sub in the tournament.
Louise Fors
the girl with the golden left foot. i remember her coming on as a sub against Norway in 2009 and hitting the woodwork with her free-kick. I am not sure if she's still in the coach's plans. I hope she is, because she has got such a sweet left foot.
Chances: I feel that Sweden has a solid team that can definitely challenge. However, i feel that they lack that little bit extra to win the tournament. They have maybe 5 really outstanding players while the rest of the team is just good. they have to come up with a robust system to make up for it. Another problem that i see is a potential reliance on long range shooting and setpieces to score. the only problem with Schelin playing on the flank is that the forwards they have are not really prolific goalscorers from open play.
It must be stressed that Sweden have been drawn in the group of death. while north korea seem dodgy nowadays, based on reputation alone, they should be respected. usa are ranked no1, and colombia try to play with flair and will know they have nothing to lose.
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