Sweden face Nigeria test

Sweden coach Roland Larsson believes his “rookie” players will need 100 per cent concentration if they are to come through Tuesday night’s FIFA U17 World Cup semi-final here with three-time champions Nigeria.

Manu Garba’s Super Eaglets have showcased their offensive potency throughout this tournament, thrashing reigning title holders Mexico 6-1, Iraq 5-0 and Iran 4-1 on their way to the last four.


Larsson is then understandably mindful of Nigeria’s attacking threat, but — with the Swedes having led their African opponents twice (2-0 and 3-2) in a prior pool-phase match in Group F — they will enter the fray with ambition outweighing any apprehension.

“If you’re going to play a good game against a team like Nigeria, you have to be focused for 90 minutes because — if you make mistakes — they will punish you,” Larsson explained.

“You have to stick to your positions, follow the plan, be prepared to run a lot, fight, cover the spaces and take care of your defending.

“It’s not just about defending though as — to win the game — you have to score. It’s going to be a tough game for us.”

The two teams have progressed in tandem to this stage from Group F, so it’s fitting and ironic that they should currently be staying at the same hotel, where familiarity has led to a degree of friendship among footballing ‘foes.’

“The Nigerian side is a very nice team to play against and to meet outside of the pitch,” Larsson added.
“They’re happy people and nice people to talk to and we’re all saying: ‘May the best team win’ and that the game should be played in the spirit of fair play.

 It’s good when you compete on the pitch, but you’re football friends off of it. “We have respect for each other, but we’re not afraid of each other.

 When you meet a lot of good players and a good team, you have to have respect for them, but not be afraid because — when you’re in a semi-final — you’re good. We respect Nigeria, but we believe we can beat them.”