'Sweden can't afford to lose points'

Sweden national coach Lars Lagerback has warned his players not to take Malta lightly tonight as failing to take all three points from their opening Group Eight World Cup qualifier would seriously jeopardise their chances of qualification.

After today's match at Ta' Qali, the Swedes host Croatia on Wednesday. Lagerback admitted that nothing less than a victory against Malta will do for his team before they square up to the Croats in Goteborg's Ullevi Stadium.

"Everyone keeps saying we're favourites to easily beat Malta but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be the case," Lagerback told The Times.

"True, on paper we look much stronger than our opponents, especially when you look at the list in our squad. But in football you don't win with the names of the players alone... the team has to perform on the day.

"Such matches could be tricky ones for teams like us... against Malta we must avoid complacency. Everyone has to give his 100 per cent or else we could be in for an unpleasant surprise. If we want to win the group we cannot drop points against less-quoted teams such as Malta."

The methodical Swedish coach has been preparing very carefully for this match. He spent most of last week scrutinising Malta's friendly at the Faroe Islands. Malta lost 3-2 to their fellow Euro minnows but Lagerback was not looking at the result.

"I was impressed with Malta's performance in Toftir," he said.

"OK, Malta lost 3-2 but the side looked compact and organised and included some interesting players as well. Michael Mifsud is fast and could spell danger to any defence. He is one to look at, really, and shows no hesitation to take on his direct marker."

Sweden are here with a strong 22-man squad. They have little injury worries with Fredrick Ljungberg carrying a slight knock sustained in Arsenal's 4-1 win at Norwich. However, the 27-year-old should recover in time for today's match giving Lagerback a full squad to choose from even though the starting formation will only be announced before the match.

In Group Eight, apart from Malta and Croatia, the Swedes also face the challenge of Bulgaria, Hungary and Iceland.

Lagerback said he could not point out who will be their main opponents for an automatic place in Germany in two years' time.

"Honestly, it's difficult to say because some of the teams are of the same level," he pointed out.

"We played against Bulgaria in EURO 2004 and even though we beat them 5-0 the final scoreline was not a true reflection of the game.

"Croatia are another valid side while Hungary and Iceland have caused many-an-upset against stronger teams in recent months. I guess it's going to be a very tight group. We have to embark on a consistent run that would take us to our second consecutive World Cup participation. The points at stake in Malta are vital... Sweden cannot afford any slip-ups here."

Past encounters

15-10-1972 Sweden vs Malta 7-0 (World Cup - Stockholm)

11-11-1973 Malta vs Sweden 1-2 (World Cup - Gzira)

23-05-1984 Sweden vs Malta 4-0 (World Cup - Norrkoping)

17-11-1985 Malta vs Sweden 1-2 (World Cup - Ta' Qali)

16-11-1986 Malta vs Sweden 0-5 (Euro Champ. - Ta' Qali)

24-05-1987 Sweden vs Malta 1-0 (Euro Champ. - Goteborg)

28-02-2001 Malta vs Sweden 0-3 (Friendly - Ta' Qali)