Dahlin sweet on Swedes
Monday, June 21, 2004
Article summary
Former Sweden striker Martin Dahlin told euro2004.com he was confident the class of 2004 could go far in Portugal - provided they get past Denmark tonight.
Article body
Tough contest
The 36-year-old scored 29 goals in 60 appearances for his country and helped them in their run to the semi-finals of both the 1992 UEFA European Championship and the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He is confident that Sweden can reach the quarter-finals but rightly predicted it would be an "extremely difficult" test at the Estádio do Bessa Século XXI in Porto.
'Very strong'
Speaking to euro2004.com, Dahlin said: "They are very strong. They will always score goals and they have two dangerous wingers. In Thomas Gravesen, they have a very good midfield player. He is very strong and Sweden will have to be careful."
Striking duo
Key to Sweden's chances will be the partnership between forwards Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic, 22, caught the eye after his stunning late equaliser against Italy that left Sweden needing just a point against the Danes this evening. Dahlin likened the 22-year-old to his former national-team colleague Kennet Andersson, the imposing forward who scored 31 goals in 83 appearances.
New partnership
"With Zlatan in the team it is like having Kennet Anderson back," he said. "It means Sweden can play the long ball and he will take care of it. He will keep the ball for you and touch it off to a team-mate. His partnership with Henrik Larsson is very new but it will get better and better as they progress. The further Sweden go, the stronger their partnership will become. They look strong and will always score goals."
Anything possible
Dahlin believes the current team could emulate the Sweden side of the early 90s. "We had a very good team but they are also very strong now. Sweden can do very well and anything is possible. All their players need to perform to their best and, importantly, keep fit."
Happy memories
Based in London but in Portugal working for Swedish television, Dahlin said being at the finals had reminded him of his own experiences when Sweden hosted the finals in 1992. "I have very happy memories of the European Championship," he said. "It is the second biggest tournament in the world. I am very happy that I can look back and say I was part of it. We did quite well and it was a good achievement."
