Sweden entering Group E as outsiders
Saturday, December 12, 2015
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"Belgium and Italy are the favourites," admitted Erik Hamrén, with his Sweden side also set to take on the Republic of Ireland in a competitive-looking Group E.
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Having squeezed into the finals via the play-offs, Sweden know they are up against it as they take on Belgium, Italy and the Republic of Ireland in Group E.
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Erik Hamrén, Sweden coach
I said before that it could be really, really tough. And OK, I think it was tough. It's the same in all the groups: different styles of play and different styles of teams.
I would have liked Austria to get revenge [for the 4-1 home defeat in qualifying]. Belgium are a team for which one has great expectations. This generation has been good for a long time and is still developing. Italy have not been as strong in qualifying this time but are traditionally good in final tournaments.
We played Ireland in the last EURO qualifiers, and they made it to the final tournament through the play-offs, just like we did. Of course, Belgium and Italy are the favourites.
