Sweden: Road to Euro 2012
Sweden may not be the most skilled side in Euro 2012 but it would not be far from the truth to say that they are one of the most motivated and determined units, looking at making the most of their entry, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 23, 2012 05:49 PM IST
Sweden may not be the most skilled side in Euro 2012 but it would not be far from the truth to say that they are one of the most motivated and determined units, looking at making the most of their entry, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.
If their campaign to prove their worth to play in Euro 2012 is anything to go by, Erik Hamren commands a side that either punches deadly blows or manages to heal from blows dealt to it, in a rush. Placed in Group E in the qualifying stage, Sweden had to fend against Netherlands, Hungary, Finland, Moldova and San Marino.
The start was a gigantic step in the right direction as Hungary were beaten in September 2010 by a margin of 2-0. A gap of four days was all that Sweden took to return to the field, this time against San Marino, and hammer 6 goals, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic slapping two of these.
The match against Netherlands was always going to be a tough prospect but Sweden fell from the pedestal nonetheless. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay scored twice to disarm the Swedes with a 4-1 win. Moldova came to Sweden's rescue and perished 2-1 to put the team back onto the winning way, once again. Mikael Lustig and Sebastian Larsson were the heroes here.
Moldova again crashed against Sweden, this time by a margin of 4-1. The rather emphatic margins were repeated against Finland (5-0) and San Marino (5-0) with a bit of a disappointing loss to Hungary (1-2) punctuating the story.
Finland were routed 2-1 again in October 2011 but the biggest contest was yet to come. Netherlands had already moved into the main event but for all their prowess and skill, they failed to strike a double blow against Sweden. Playing in front of home fans, Sweden registered a 3-2 win to finish as second best in the group and also the best second placed team among all qualifying groups to earn a direct entry into the final tournament alongside the winners of all the groups.
Erik Hamren's side are placed in Group D for the event beginning from June 8 and have to contend with traditional giants - England and France - as well as the hosts - Ukraine. There however, is no shortage of will and spirit here.