Quarter Finals Preview – England vs Sweden
With
Major big guns out of the tournament and to say it is just European countries that
are currently left in the Fray for the Big Trophy. With Uruguay and Brazil eliminated
yesterday, the Host Russia will face the powerhouse of Eastern Europe Croatia
and England will face Sweden in the quarter finals today. At first let us look at the stats from the round
of 16 match played by 2 quarter finalist.
Probable Line up:
England: 3-5-2
Pickford, Walker –
Stones - Maguire, Trippier – Young – Henderson – Alli - Lingard, Sterling -
Kane
Sweden:
4-4-2
Olsen, Krafth –
Lindelof – Granqvist - Augustinsson, Claesson – Svensson – Ekdal - Forsberg,
Berg - Toivonen
Risk of Suspension: Lingaard (ENG), Hendereson (ENG), Lustig (SWE)
3
games in the round of 16 went into penalties and winners of all 3 will play
today and Sweden will be the only team playing today which won the match in 90
minutes. Sweden has been a silent performer who by far throughout the
tournament has a decent run and to everyone’s surprise their performance
against Mexico fetched them the top position in the group. Skipper Granqvist
has been performing really well in the defense and berg, toivonen has been
pretty good in attack. Overall Sweden has a working team which depends more on efficient
game on the field.
On
the other hand, England is having a dream run in this tournament with Kane
running for Golden Boot award and he may emerge winner of the same. After the English
team under Sven Ericsson, This team under Gareth Southgate has exceeded the
expectations of the fans for the first time. In fact for the first time an English
fan can claim that this team can reach the finals. But knowing the England of
past, can we assert that this team can reach finals is to be answered. Unlike
the past where pointless stardom was a hindrance for England, this team an
young, able talent and without the stardom factor has put performance that
would put 2000’s English team to shame. Though the game by far should be a cake
walk for England team but given the way this world cup is progressing, any fan
would be cautious and wary of the opponent.
Prediction: England should win.
Well written post , keep it up venki.
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