World Cup 2006 Group B Preview: Sweden - Players To Watch
The hopes of Sweden are pinned on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the striker all of European football loves to hate. His fearsome temper and bad attitude has somewhat overshadowed his prodigious natural talent throughout his career but as a skilful, strong, goalscoring forward there are few in Europe to match him and he’ll cause plenty of problems for England’s John Terry come the 20th of June. An outside bet for overall top scorer if Sweden manage to reach at least the semi finals.
Having moved to Rennes to further his career after winning two Swedish titles with Djurgardens, Kim Kallstrom has somewhat failed to live up to the terrific billing he was given as a youngster. Strong in the challenge and a fantastic passer of the ball, Kallstrom also possesses a fearsome shot from dead ball situations and has long been rumoured to be interesting Tottenham Hotspur in England. A World Cup of living up to his potential could well be the stepping stone Kallstrom needs to move on up in club football.
Despite some disagreements with his club Anderlecht over being allowed to speak to other clubs (interestingly rumoured to be Tottenham Hotpsur again) before this season started, Christian Wilhelmsson, nicknamed Chippen, has been one of the Belgian side’s top performers over the past few seasons. Expert dribbling coupled with explosive pace down the right flank makes Chippen a valuable outlet for the Swedes as they try to get the ball into dangermen Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With the ball at his feet, Chippen is almost guaranteed to deliver.
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POSTED IN: Past World Cups
2 opinions for World Cup 2006 Group B Preview: Sweden - Players To Watch
Lindy Lindh
May 26, 2006 at 6:28 pm
Igonorance. Is this what you write about Swedish Football. Ibrahimovic is the big star to be, but Henrik Larsson has proven himself to be the best player in Barcelona in regards of his performances this year. According to Spanish press. How can you ignore him, one of the best forwards in Europe?
Andreas Isaksson the goalkeeper is also one of the top 10-15 goalkeepers in the world.
Källström is not every the first choice (I’m afraid though he is one of my favourites) in his position and Wilhelmsson have not played very well the last year and a half.
Alan
May 26, 2006 at 6:32 pm
If I’d included all of the players everyone would think deserved a mention then I’d have to write about every player in the squad.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion as to who are the biggest players to watch for these countries, what you’ve just read are my choices.
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