It’s not hard to identify the turning point of this World Cup for Sweden. Rewind to last Thursday’s game versus Paraguay, when it appeared Sweden would have to settle for a scoreless draw and another early exit from the World Cup.
A timely word of encouragement from captain Olof Mellberg seemed to get the team going as they came back with a goal. That gave the Swedes a chance to erase the memory of 2002 when they lost to an upstart Senegal side. Mellberg’s words appeared to spur on a relentless effort to get a goal and secure an almost guaranteed berth in the round of 16. Team Sweden were pressing heavily when Freddie Ljungberg headed in a late goal to send the bench and the crowd into a frenzy.
Paraguay buried their heads in their jerseys, knowing how much was at stake. Mellberg’s words appeared to spur on a relentless effort to get a goal and secure an almost guaranteed berth in the round of 16. Team Sweden were pressing heavily when Freddie Ljungberg headed in a late goal to send the bench and the crowd into a frenzy. Paraguay buried their heads in their jerseys, knowing how much was at stake.
As it stands, Sweden would have to lose to England in their last round-robin game and Paraguay would have to lose convincingly to Trinidad & Tobago for the Swedes not to qualify for the next round. Most athletes pride themselves on always giving their best efforts – it’s what drives them to compete -- but in this case, it’s reality. Sweden can control their own destiny with a win or draw with England on Tuesday.
Bet just $20 at Canbet and get a FREE $20 World Cup Bet. Click Here!
Although missing the round of 16 is still a remote possibility, it’s fair to say the victory over Paraguay relieved some of the pressure on Sweden. Mellberg even stated it was the biggest game in this group for his team. He noted how the crowd and benches reacted to the winning goal by Ljungberg as proof of that assertion.
When Sweden face England, it will be a true test of how Sweden cope under pressure against some of the best sides in the world. The likes of Rooney, Beckham, Lampard, among others, are formidable opponents for any team. The Swedes have endured a bumpy ride in the World Cup so far. It will only get bumpier for them.
Tottenham v Blackburn - Match Preview - 19 November 2006
Two sides looking for something to spark their seasons clash at Ewood Park on Sunday as 15th-place Blackburn hosts 12th-place Tottenham.
Rovers are favored to win at home at 2.50, and Spurs are set at 3.00. A draw is rated at 3.30.
Blackburn fought hard, but were shut out 1-0 at home by Manchester United last weekend. Blackburn were outshot 16-10, and were booked four times in the fixture.
Robbie Keane's 24th-minute penalty was not enough as Spurs were beaten 3-1 at Reading in their last league match. Spurs led in both shots and possession, but their defence could not hold firm.
Tottenham have won five and drawn twice of their past ten matches with Rovers, who hold a 10-9 lead in goals scored.
A timely word of encouragement from captain Olof Mellberg seemed to get the team going as they came back with a goal. That gave the Swedes a chance to erase the memory of 2002 when they lost to an upstart Senegal side. Mellberg’s words appeared to spur on a relentless effort to get a goal and secure an almost guaranteed berth in the round of 16. Team Sweden were pressing heavily when Freddie Ljungberg headed in a late goal to send the bench and the crowd into a frenzy. 
