Sunday 10 June 2012

Ukraine vs Sweden Preview

The final game in the opening round of matches sees co-hosts Ukraine take on Sweden in Kiev.


Ukraine have had to wait patiently for their moment in the spotlight, now the wait is over and they will be hoping to get off to a good start against a Sweden side who are not as strong as they once were. The Swedes will be relying heavily on talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic and may struggle in this year's tournament.


The hosts have their own talisman in all time top scorer Andriy Shevchenko, the former Chelsea man will be hoping to lead his side to glory in what will surely be his last international tournament. Ukraine will of course have huge home support, which could carry them to a quarter final place, much like South Korea in the 2002 World Cup.


Sweden maybe outsiders to qualify, but are higher ranked them than the hosts and have a fantastic record against England in international tournaments. With pundits not expecting much from them, maybe this could have a positive effect and help them onto a fine run. As I stated earlier, a lot will rely on the form of Ibrahimovic, if he plays as he can, there's no reason why they can't qualify.


I see the match heading for a draw, both will want something from the game and I can see it being a match full of heart and passion but with no real end product. Both sides will feel they have a decent chance of reaching the quarters and will carry that hope into the second game.





 

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