If we sit down and defend for the first 20 minutes we will be down 3-0 by the 19th...
Last time I saw Sweden play (against France) I remember how fast they played. We can't let them dictate the pace. I think the slow deliberate build up is the best thing to put them out of sorts, but we can't afford to give away the ball before the end of the attack...
This is more of a confidence thing than anything else. The guys have to realise that they belong on the same field. If we win the toss, we have to keep that ball for a good half a minute...10 + touches.
I like that manmarking thing. Birchall would have to take on Larsson because Ljunberg way too fast for him. Aurthis would have to handle Ljunberg but if Bleeder is his spot I'm not sure how effective that strategy will be.
Ibrahimovich tall no ass. To be honest you would expect Tallest to handle him more, but in the box I more prefer Dog to not give away a penalty then Tallest. That said, Tallest more at ease with the ball at his feet and not playing off an injury.
4 5 1 to start the game - could drift into a 4 4 2 on attack, Samuel would have to come off the wing and support Stern. I don't think the wide left cross in the box will work anyway with those harden defenders. Dwight will have to play more attacking than he usually does working in tandem with Carlos because Birch will be more withdrawn than usual.
If I was a dutty fella I woulda appoint sumbody to work some mind games on ibrahimovich; if he take a red it won't hurt us, but we shouldn't count on the opponent to make the game easier fo us.
Stern have to put heself back in tracking back mode for this game - bother the Swedish buildup when they reach the half line in the middle of the field.
Avery could continue to come up the field, but rather than cross he need to work out a short pass thing with Samuel so he could SHOOT. I doubt he going to score, but Stern will be there to clean up any bobbles from the inexperienced keeper.
If Birchall decide to go up, the opportunity can't be wasted, Stern, Dwight Edwards and Samuels have to organise to tee him up for a bullet - if ever he have a chance to score, this will be it (unless calamity James replace Robinson for the England game). Whitley shouldn't be afraid to buss one if he come up as well. Stern would rarely get the space, but on a counter he could try one just outside the bow like against Panama.
For more conventional tactics, we need a triangle game going on between Samuels, Stern and Dwight after the (ground) feed from Carlos or Avery. The man best placed to shoot once in the box does so...and keep it low...
CYD have to cool he self...the worst thing could happen is we get a man send off before we settle...He need to pick up the trailing striker on attacks, avery usually does it well enough..
Jack needs to stay alert, both kallstrom and allback could buss it from far, other than the big names..
Oh yes - and enjoy theyself while they at it. Keep the chins up, and the shoulders straight, no cussing you teammates (only Jack allowed to do that), acknowledge good passes, apologise for wasted ones, run into space and be stern but sportsmanlike while you at it.
1.3 million people with allyou....
plus all the rest who back home
