Sweden round-up: Challengers fall away

With just two games now remaining in the Swedish season the weekend results left Djurgårdens IF in pole position for the title as the Stockholm club beat Kalmar FF to climb three points ahead of Malmö FF and five clear of Örgryte IS.

Kallström cracker
Djurgården beat Kalmar 1-0 away in a very even match of few chances. Kim Kallström settled the game for the visitors with a stunning long-distance drive in the 23rd minute.

Difficult trip
Örgyte faced a difficult game, away at Helsingborgs IF, a team that they have struggled to beat over the last couple of seasons and especially at Olympia. With a victory essential to keep the pressure on Djurgården, Örgryte, who have looked a fine, coherent unit all season, suddenly seemed to freeze. All their usual movement and creativity disappeared. Helsingborg, however, played wonderful football, and Gustaf Andersson posed a constant threat.

Early shock
After 22 minutes Alvaro gave Helsingborg the lead and 15 minutes later he set up Andersson for the game's second goal. By that stage Örgryte were looking frustrated and their usual solid players, such as Afonso Alves and Paulhinho Guará, were far from their best. Helsingborg continued their momentum after the break and it was only during the last 15 minutes that Örgryte posed any sort of threat. The 2-0 defeat could well have ended Örgryte's title chances as they now need Djurgården to slip up.

Tense Malmö
Malmö had an opportunity to climb to within just a point of Djurgården but they too looked nervous and failed to gain maximum points against IF Elfsborg at home as the game ran out goalless. Elfsborg travelled to Malmö needing a point to secure their top-flight status and they got exactly that. "Our defensive performance was excellent today, we only gave away two chances which is brilliant," said the Elfsborg coach, Anders Grönhagen.

Severe blow
The Malmö players on the other hand were extremely disappointed after the game knowing that their title hopes had taken a severe blow. "The way we played today, we do not deserve to win the title," said defender Hans Mattisson. "We lacked discipline in every area and Elfsborg were better than us. I'm ashamed."

Relegation fight
At the other end of the table, the reigning champions, Hammarby IF FF played IFK Norrköping in a battle to avoid relegation. Norrköping have recently begun to enjoy a better run of results - apart from a 5-2 loss against Djurgården three weeks ago - thanks largely to their front pair of Annti Sumiala and Nick Bosevski. However, against Hammarby the duo were made to look ineffective and Hammarby were in fine form. "We had 300 fans coming to support us during the training session prior to the game. We want to prove that we were worthy of such fans," said the striker Peter Markstedt, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 38 minutes. Three minutes later Anti Pohja put Hammarby two up, and when Kennedy Bakircioglü scored after 13 minutes of the second half the victory was sealed.

Tight battle
A late consolation goal did nothing for Norrköping who will now probably face IFK Göteborg in a relegation play-off. Hammarby, on the other hand, moved four points clear of Norrköping and Göteborg and need one more point to be safe. However, Hammarby's next game will be vital as they face Göteborg at home. "We need a draw and we're going to get it," said Bakircioglü.

Troubled season
Another team that has had a troubled season are Jonas Thern's Halmstads BK. However, after a 2-0 victory over visiting Örebro SK they look certain to have secured their first division status for next season. Tomas Zvirgzdauskas, the Lithuanian international, scored his first goal for Halmstad in the 26th minute to settle the side's nerves. After that Halmstad relaxed and controlled the game without being able to take advantage of their chances. Finally, in the 76th minute, left-back Per Johansson sealed the game when he chipped Peter Wessman. The way Halmstad played was a joy to behold and if the team can add to their squad they may well be at the other end of the table next season.