The penultimate article in our Euro 2012 previews sees us take a trip over to Scandinavia to assess the options of Sweden, one of recent history’s most successful overachievers when it comes to qualifying for summer tournaments. Here’s our analysis of Eric Hamren’s men:
The first of Sweden’s three Group D matches will be at 19.45pm on Monday June 11 against the co-hosts Ukraine. Four days later, they will square up to England with another 19.45pm kick-off on Friday June 15 before, once again, facing a late evening kick-off on Tuesday June 19 against France, in a match that could well decide whether they progress to the final eight or not.
The advantage of having all three of their Group matches in the same venue – Olympic Stadium in Kiev – may turn out to be one of the slender differences in a group that hangs in the balance. Sweden can threaten any of their opponents if they play to their utmost potential, while similar assessments can be given to each of their rivals. France will be looking to shake off bad memories from World Cup 2010, England will expect nothing less than a place in the knock-out stages, while Ukraine will want their fans to see a bit of success on home turf. It’s a tough one to call.
The Road to Qualification
The Swedes were handed a harsh time of it when they were drawn in the same group as World Cup finalists Holland. A 3-2 victory over the Dutch in their tenth and final match helped Sweden rack up enough points – 24 from a possible 30 – to automatically qualify as the best runners-up across all the groups. Hamren’s side lost two of their qualifying games, away to Holland and Hungary, but overall it was, thanks to light opposition, a campaign littered with goals for the Swedes. They amassed a total of 31 goals (third best only behind Germany and Holland) by romping their way through the likes of San Marino, Moldova and fellow Scandinavians Finland. At the back, they shipped 11 goals, though, with only four clean sheets returned.
Most Appearances: Elmander, Kallstrom, Larsson & Lustif (10), Toivonen, Majstorovic & Isaksson (9), Svensson, Ibrahimovic &Wernbloom (8)
Most Goals: Ibrahimovic (5), Larsson & Kallstrom (3), Olsson (2).
Most Assists: Kallstrom (7), Larsson (6), Ibrahimovic (3)
The Likely Lads
He takes all manner of set-pieces – penalties included – for Sweden and has the numbers (see his assist and goal tallies above) to back up the potential that these afford. Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson is a diamond in the Swedish midfield yet is priced, in the McDonald’s format at least, far below the value he brings to his squad. At just 6.5, he looks strong value and has currently been snapped up by just 9.8% of Fantasy managers.
Based on the qualifying campaign, Kim Kallstrom is pretty much a statistical doppelganger for Larsson. The Lyon midfielder has also netted three times and picked up seven assists over the qualifying campaign; all the more impressive when you consider Larsson’s set-piece and spot-kick domination. Coming in at the same price as his midfield compatriot, Kallstrom has amassed less than a third of the interest of Fantasy managers in the McDonald’s game – with just 3% ownership, he has the makings of a definite differential.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the highest calibre player in the Sweden squad and, as a result, has to be strongly considered despite being priced higher (8.0) than any of his team-mates in the McDonald’s game. The AC Milan forward finished the recent domestic season with 28 goals and six assists for the Serie A runners-up and a total of five goals in eight qualifying appearances was superior to any of his compatriots. After the 3-2 victory over Holland – which Zlatan was suspended for – there was much talk about how Sweden were a better team for it but, when Hamren names his starting XI, Ibra will undoubtedly be the first name on the team sheet. Handed a free role behind a lone striker in the recent 3-2 friendly win over Iceland, he provided a goal and assist and has already picked up over 26% ownership.
Cheeky Punt
Through the qualifying campaign the Swedish defence was built on a bedrock of veteran centre-back, and former Aston Villa captain, Olof Mellberg coupled with Daniel Majstorovic. Unfortunately for Hamren, the latter is out injured and will miss the tournament – but this opens up a tasty chance for picking up a differential. West Brom defender Jonas Olsson looks to be in the driving seat to fill this role ahead of Andreas Granqvist over the past couple of friendlies and looks a decent cut-price squad-filler at 4.0 in the McDonald’s game. Alternatively, Andreas Isaksson is priced at 4.5 but is nailed-on for a starting spot in goal and offers a cut-price alternative, with the comfort of extra save points also thrown in.
At the start of the qualifying campaign, Pontus Wernbloom had a spot in the Swedish midfield but by the time his country had qualified, the CSKA Moscow man had lost his first-team spot. Supposed Liverpool watchlist candidate Rasmus Elm has been the man to fill that hole on the left flank and, coming in at just 5.0 in the McDonald’s format, the AZ Alkmaar midfielder is 1.5 cheaper than the likely lads in the squad, opening a window for the more penny-pinching Fantasy manager. Elm moved to a more central role in the win over Iceland, however, with PSV forward Ola Toivonen starting on the left instead – Toivonen grabbed a goal within a quarter of an hour and may appeal to those willing to take a real gamble, though it’s worth noting he’s classified as a forward in the McDonald’s game, perhaps lessening his appeal.
With Johan Elmander currently nursing a fracture to his right foot, Fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on the lie-up for the Swedes’ final friendly against Serbia on June 5. Markus Rosenberg led the line in the previous friendly and priced at a mere 4.5, could find himself in the first XI if the former Bolton man fails to recover in time.
Further Analysis
Group A Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Russia
Group B Denmark, Gemany, Holland, Portugal
Group C Croatia, Italy, Republic of Ireland,Spain
Group D England, France
Fantasy Football Scout Euro 2012 Leagues
Fantasy Football Scout are running several leagues and tournaments over various games for the Summer tournament…
Fantasy League Pro – It’s not too late to set up a Pro League with an online auction. Click here to get started and use our comment boards to recruit league members.
We’re running two Tournaments in the Picklive game, a free to enter league here and a £5 entry with prize pot league right here. There’s also £2500 in the prize pot for Picklive’s big tournament game.
Our McDonalds UEFA Euro 2012 League code is : 638-996
