Sweden target vital win
14 Jun 2006 - 15:23:24
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- Sweden target vital win
Sweden and Paraguay meet in a make-or-break encounter in Berlin's Olympiastadion, with both sides needing a win to get back on course for the knockout stages.
Sweden suffered a major disappointment in their first game as they were held to a goalless draw by Trinidad & Tobago, while Paraguay were edged out 1-0 by England.
Coach Lars Lagerback admitted that Swedish skipper Olof Mellberg and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg had clashed after their opening game, saying: "I wouldn't say it is normal but it happens.
"If it had any effect on the team, I think it has had a positive effect. I don't really want to comment any more than that."
Lagerback will be hoping to have first-choice goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson back in the fold after concussion kept him out of Sweden's first game, with Rami Shaaban ready to step down.
Tobias Linderoth should overcome a minor knee injury to take his place in the midfield holding role.
Meanwhile, Paraguay know that they need at least a draw to keep their hopes of making the last 16.
Striker Nelson Haedo Valdez issued a stark warning by saying: "This will be our final and if we lose we should just start packing."
However, veteran skipper Carlos Gamarra, whose own goal settled Paraguay's opener in favour of England, thinks that Sweden's style of play may suit his side.
He added: "I think that Paraguay shouldn't have any problems against Sweden because we will have more chance to play the way we are used to.
"Sweden are a team that lets you play a little bit more, they don't put so much pressure on their opponents like England."
Coach Anibal Ruiz will be without goalkeeper Justo Villar, whose calf injury has ended his tournament early on, with Aldo Bobadilla set to start.
Defender Delio Toledo will also sit the game out as he injured a calf in training.