Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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12-10-2010 20:30 Netherlands - Sweden

Winning Is A Habit
 
The Netherlands may have lost the 2010 World Cup final to Spain but they have been doing pretty well since then. Bert van Marwijk's side have won all their three Euro 2012 qualifiers and are currently on top of Group E with the full nine points.

The 1-0 win against Moldova on Friday evening didn't come off a brilliant performance but it did the job nevertheless. Once again it was in-form striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who found the net and the Schalke hitman will be keen to add to his tally against Sweden.

But it is easier said than done as Sweden will pose a much tougher test for the Netherlands and Van Marwijk knows it, warning, "Sweden are very good opposition, we have a lot of respect for them and they have many qualities.

"Ball tempo is an important detail for us, we want to contain them but at the same time get our own passes in quickly. They are big and strong and their height advantage is also a weapon for them.''

Taking On The Leaders

Sweden were not in action on Friday and like the Netherlands have a 100% record in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Erik Hamren's side are second in the group at the moment, with six points from two matches.

Sweden have been in great form so far in the qualifiers, having netted eight times and have yet to concede. The fact that they didn't play on Friday could be an advantage for the Blue-Yellows as they will be fresh for the visit to Amsterdam.

Key striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, formerly with Ajax, is relishing the challenge and say, "We're here to win, plain and simple. I think both teams will want to attack. It will be down to minimising mistakes. I learned my football [in the Netherlands] and have only positive memories of my time here."

The Netherlands have lost just one game in around two years but Sweden coach Hamren hopes to change that record and enthuses, "The Netherlands are unbeaten in two years, except for the World Cup final, so we're in for quite a challenge."



TEAM NEWS

Netherlands


Midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Mark van Bommel have been suffering from injuries of late but both are expected to start against Sweden. Huntelaar is going to be the main striker for the Oranje again on Tuesday evening.

Sweden
Hamren will be without midfielder Emir Bajrami but Christian Wilhelmsson and Daniel Majstorovic both have recovered from their respective knocks.



Prediction
The Netherlands are in sensational form and will go into the match as favourites. However, Sweden are not easy pushovers and will be looking for at least a draw in Amsterdam. However, the Oranje should edge them eventually.

Netherlands 2-1 Sweden