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Tied with Poland for best runners-up in European qualifying, Sweden won eight of its last ten matches in Group Eight. The 2006 World Cup will be Sweden's eleventh FIFA World Cup. Sweden has had three notable runs in its World Cup history. Sweden was a semifinalist in 1938, won the FIFA in 1948, and made the final match in 1958 when the country hosted the tournament.
While the next sixty years failed to bring much success, Sweden performed exceptionally well in 1994 tournament held in the United States. Sweden jumped through to the final four that year, but suffered a defeated by the hands of Brazil, 1-0.
In the most recent FIFA World Cup held in Korea, The Swedes made it through to the second round under joint coaches Lars Lagerback and Tommy Soderbergh. Sweden was able to climb to the top of its group, overpowering teams by the likes of England and Argentina. Unfortunately, Sweden fell the Senegal and was not able to advance further.
After the UEFA EURO tournament in 2004, coach Soderbergh stepped down, and it is Lagerback that has assumed sole leadership role for his national team.
Sweden World Cup 2006 Team Odds: Sportsbooks have listed Sweden at 40/1 odds to win the World Cup.
Strengths: Sweden boasts a squad that retains several key players from its tournament team in 2002. Olof Mellberg leads this group and holds the captain position. Freddie Ljungberg and veteran striker Henrik Larsson return as well, posing a threat to any defense that faces the duo. Adding to the offensive threat, Sweden also will display several new talents that are capable of breaking out at any time. Forwards Ziatan Ibrahimovic and youngster Christian Wilmhelmsson add another dimension to field.
One stat that is worth keeping track of is Sweden's goals per match during qualifying.
The Swedes, who are ranked No. 14 in the world, averaged three goals per game in the ten matches it played. If continued, Sweden could shock some teams not quite ready to take on its offensive firepower.
Weaknesses: If there was one issue that needed to be worked upon, Sweden lacks consistency with its backers, particularly with its right-back position. Sweden has yet to name a player to fill that spot on a full-time basis. Also monitor Sweden star Ibrahimovic. While extremely deadly and skilled with the ball, he has a tendency to get frustrated upon poor play. His noted temper has shown to be an issue in the past, and that alone could spill over to his fellow comrades.
Sweden World Cup 2006 Outlook: Sweden is capable of making it through to the elimination round. While England boasts the best chance of winning Group B, Sweden should not be overlooked in this regard. The Swedes are seeded thirteenth overall in the tournament, and are well equipped offensively to trigger an upset or two. Sweden has only advanced past the second round once since 1958, so group play will ultimately decide its chances to move on and attempt to capture FIFA gold in Germany.
Sweden 2006 World Cup Schedule:
Saturday June 10, Group B4 Sweden v Group B3 Trinidad & Tobago in Dortmund - 18:00
Thursday Jun 15, Group B4 Sweden v Group B2 Paraguay in Berlin - 21:00
Tuesday June 20, Group B4 Sweden v Group B1 England in Cologne - 21:00
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