Sweden (National Football)

Sweden is the fourth of an eight-part series previewing the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Other team previews can be found here: Russia | Canada | USA | Czech Republic | Slovakia | Finland | Mexico (Satire)

Sweden is the defending gold medalist from the Turin games in 2006, and they will certainly be in the hunt to repeat. The Tre Kronor have been an impressive program for many years, despite being a small country in relation to some of the others.

This team also has a must-win mentality in Vancouver. Most likely, it will be a lot of players final Olympic games and the pressure will be on them to hold the gold medal a little longer.

They are another serious contender, alongside Canada and Russia for the championship.

Forwards

First Line

C Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

LW Markus Naslund, New York Rangers

RW Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

Second Line

C Mats Sundin, Vancouver Canucks

LW Kristian Huselius, Columbus Blue Jackets

RW Peter Forsberg

Third Line

C Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

LW Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

RW Johan Franzen, Detroit Red Wings

Fourth Line

C Niklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals

LW Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars

RW Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings

Analysis

The vast majority of the group that won gold in Turin returns for the 2010 games. Henrik Zetterberg will lead a veteran line flanked by high-profile scorer Daniel Alfredsson and Markus Naslund.

The second line is also made up of vastly experienced players. Forsberg and Sundin are most likely playing in their last Olympic games.

Line three will pit the skill of the Sedin twins alongside the grit of power-forward Johan Franzen. Neither of the Sedin twins are big-time goal scorers but the help of Franzen should show immediately.

The fourth line will showcase the future of Swedish hockey in Niklas Backstrom and Loui Eriksson. Both have had incredible years for their respective NHL clubs, and they will be joined by veteran Tomas Holmstrom.

Backup options

Mikael Samuelsson, Detroit Red Wings; Samuel Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks; Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues; Robert Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers

Defensemen

First Pairing

LD Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

RD Mattias Ohlund, Vancouver Canucks

Second Pairing

LD Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings

RD Kenny Jonsson, HC Rogle BK

Third Pairing

LD Alexander Edler, Vancouver Canucks

RD Henrik Tallinder, Buffalo Sabres

Analysis

The defense will once again be lead by world-class defenseman Niklas Lidstrom, who could possibly be playing in his final Olympics. The top four are all veterans that have played in many international tournaments.

Edler and Tallinder are the only two here that really have not played together in the past. Jonsson may end up paired with Lidstrom so that Ohlund and Kronwall can compliment each other.

Backup options

Victor Hedman, MoDo HC; Tobias Enstrom, Atlanta Thrashers; Anton Stralman, Toronto Maple Leafs

Goaltenders

Starter

G Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Backup

G Jakob Markstrom, Brynas IF

Analysis

Lundqvist is the starter for sure and he was the goalie when they won the gold medal in 2006. He is one of the best in the world and will be a major reason for Sweden's success in Vancouver. Markstrom is a young phenom that has torn apart the SEL and deserves the backup role.

Backup option

Mikael Tellqvist, Phoenix Coyotes

Coaching

Head Coach

Bengt-Ake Gustafsson

Final Outcome

Bronze. Defeat the Czech Republic 4-0 in the Bronze medal game.

Well, it’s now been one week since the US Men’s National Team opened their 2009 season with a 3-2 win in a friendly against the Swedes.

The men improved their record at the HDC to 7-0-1 due to the brilliant play of "Special K," Sacha Kljestan, who scored all three goals (his first three for the MNT) and became only the second US player (after Aldo “Buff” Donelli in 1934) to notch his first goal on a day which eventually resulted in a hat trick.

Kljestan’s first goal was a 35-yard rocket free kick in the 17th minute that he perfectly placed in the upper left corner.

His second goal was a PK after John Thorrington was taken down in the box just before half.

Kljestan’s hat trick came on a gorgeous left-footer that was beautifully assisted by Brian Ching, who had a fine game and displayed his usual tenacity up top. Besides Sacha, Ching was definitely Man of the Match.

The defense played very well in the first half, with Parkhurst and Califf snuffing out the Swedes’ attack and Wynne and Bornstein playing well.

Kenny Cooper almost notched a goal just after the second half started. He had just come in to replace Charlie Davies, who definitely looked the poorest of everyone who took the pitch. Davies didn’t look like he belonged out there, which is disappointing because he had previously played well in limited opportunities.

Sweden’s first goal came as a result of some poor marking by Bornstein, who was the most disappointing player on the backline. The second goal, which came just prior to the match’s end, was the product of Wynne not shadowing his man properly. 

Perkins did not have a great game, ceding two goals and only saving three shots. Cooper also missed some good opportunities, and I think everyone who thinks he’s better than Chingy should watch this tape.

Thorrington played hard, and his replacement Rolfe was invisible. Rogers played OK, but had some open space that he could have taken better advantage of. Ricardo Clark played pretty well, which is great because he had been deplorable for the Nats lately. All in all, the US had a good game and got the right result, though they did not finish strong. But, it’s important to remember this was a young team.

Kljestan played fantastic, and this day will be remembered as the one he emerged as one of our top talents. I think he belongs in the starting lineup against Mexico (and I think Celtic should pay MLS for his services) but we will have to wait to see if those two things happen.

He played poorly last time for the Nats, but came into his own tonight. His three goals tonight were impressive, especially the first and third. Keep in mind, only two players scored more than three goals in all of 2008 (Ching in 7 games and Dempsey in 10). I think he has to start against Mexico this month.

WE ALL KNOW ABOUT the 72 wins, the 10 majors and the $23 million in career earnings, a Hall of Fame career that may or may not be over. It all went exactly as planned by Annika Sorenstam, the undisputed queen of golf. Well, no, actually it didn’t.

Presented by equipment sponsor Calloway and looking relaxed in a pink pullover and black slacks, Annika sat on stage today at the PGA Merchandise Show and recounted a career that was filled with surprises and accomplishments beyond her wildest dreams. I had a front-row seat.

Golf was her parents’ game, Annika said, so she followed them to the golf course, even though she would rather play soccer or tennis at a young age.

But golf got under her skin (in a good way) because it was “so tough.” “That was the beauty of it,” she said. Plus she could practice without needing a partner.

Leaving Sweden to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson was a major adjustment, but Annika adapted and excelled at the college level. Maybe she could succeed at the pro game, although she didn’t know if she could win.

The first win “caught me by surprise,” Annika said. That initial title was the U.S. Women’s Open, a major victory that literally made her ill. Annika told how she had to retreat from the world for a few weeks until she could get a better handle on her success and the public adulation.

(In a later anecdote, Annika shared how her shyness caused her to intentionally three-putt to avoid winning tournaments. Why? She didn’t want to give a speech. One of her coaches noticed the trend, so the coach had first, second and third give speeches, which solved the problem.)

When asked about her friendship with Tiger Woods, Annika said, “I’m not sure how the texting got started.” The two have practiced together and got in the habit of texting each other when they won a major.

“I think he’s kind of competitive,” she said, sparking audience laughter.

As for her current status, Annika said she is not using the “R” word, instead calling her break from the game “stepping away.” With that kind of talk, it sure sounds like she’ll be back.

More Tidbits

• “My drive is stronger than ever,” Annika said. She is channeling it into her academy, golf course design, and other projects.
• When asked for her dream foursome, Annika didn’t specifically name anyone, saying it could be people from all walks of life who she would enjoy and learn from.
• She was once caught at an exhibition with dirty laundry in her golf bag.
• The USGA has made her the first female ambassador of the game.
• An Annika wine is in the works.
• A 54 is definitely possible, Annika said. She took the audience through her round of 59 on March 16, 2001. She was 12 under after 13 holes and rimmed out her putt for 58 on the final hole.

−The Armchair Golfer

Related:
PGA Merchandise Show: Finding My Way
Top 10 Tips for PGA Merchandise Show

On Wednesday, the Washington Capitals announced that second-year centre Nicklas Backstrom had withdrawn from playing in his second YoungStars game as part of All Star Weekend in Montreal. 

On Thursday, the 21-year-old was at home in Sweden where he was attending a Swedish Eliteserien game between his former team, Brynäs IF and Timrå.

Interviewed by Aftonbladet at the game, Backstrom said, “There was a good opportunity to be able to go home to Gävle in the middle of the season. Otherwise I won't get home for a fairly long time.”

Asked if he would be skating with his former team, Backstrom, who is second in Caps scoring with 48 points in 48 games played, said, “No, there will be no skates now for a week. The NHL has rules that say that those of us who are not part of the All Star celebration have to take time off.”

Backstrom played in last year’s version of the YoungStars game, where he scored two goals and helped his Eastern Conference team to a 7-6 win.

Due to a change in the game’s format this year, rookies will play against second-year players, which made Backstrom—last season’s Calder Trophy runner up—eligible to play in another contest. 

When Backstrom withdrew from the festivities, the Caps issued a press release on their website saying that the 6’0”, 183 lb. Swede wanted to give someone else the opportunity to play in the game, and that he wanted to rest and prepare for the second half of the season.

That second half starts Tuesday, when the Southeast Division-leading Capitals (30–15–3) travel to Boston to take on the Bruins, who are the only team ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings.

Luckily for Backstrom, a ruling by Colin Campbell (NHL’s Senior VP and Director of Hockey Operations), which stipulates that players who miss the All-Star weekend without injury will be suspended for one game, does not affect the YoungStars.

Backstrom, who is one of only four Capitals to play in all 48 games this season, says his quick visit to his homeland includes very simple plans, “I will visit with my family and meet some friends.”

Saturday night in Los Angeles was the coming out party for U.S. midfielder Sacha Kljestan. His hat-trick lifted the U.S. to a 3-2 win over Sweden at the Home Depot Center.

Kljestan who plays for Chivas USA, was just back from a training stint with Scotland’s Glasgow Celtic, and become the first American to score his first three international goals in the same game in 75 years.

“Getting a hat trick is pretty exciting for me,” said Kljestan. “I’ve never scored more than one goal in a game as a professional, so it’s definitely exciting. I’m just as happy about the win and I’m glad we held on in the end. It was great to do it [score a hat trick] here at the Home Depot Center. I have a lot of friends and family that come and support me every game, so that was pretty cool to have them here.”

Overall this was a good performance from an MLS based US team. Sacha Kljestan obviously was impressive as was Brain Ching. Bob Bradley wanted to see some young players step up and I think some did.

Now it is on the opening match of the final round of FIFA World Cup qualifying against archrival Mexico on Feb. 11 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus.

In Pasadena, California, there is a monstrous stadium that seats more than 90,000 spectators: the Rose Bowl. Built in 1922, the stadium is, of course, most famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl Game on New Years Day between college football powerhouses. But it also has hosted five Super Bowls and several events during the 1932 and 1984 Olympics.

Prior to the construction of the HDC, the Galaxy played their home matches at the Bowl. But, it’s not the Gals that make the Rose Bowl the most historic soccer site in US history. No, it’s the fact that the Rose Bowl is only one of two stadiums in the world (with Rasunda Stadium in Sweden being the other) to host both a Men’s and Women’s World Cup Final.

The 1994 Men’s World Cup Final between Italy and Brazil was one of the greatest games ever played and it ended dramatically on a Roberto Baggio penalty miss. The 1999 Women’s World Cup was even more thrilling, especially for US fans, as Brandi Chastain secured the US victory over China with her successful PK.

That 1999 Women’s World Cup Final was the highest attended match in women’s sports history (over 90,000 fans). It signaled the end of a long era when women were excluded from participating in sports at the highest levels. As the Rose Bowl was the site of US soccer’s greatest victory, it gets the No. 1 spot on my list.

I hope you all have enjoyed this series on America’s most historic soccer sites, and if I omitted any legendary site, let me hear about it in the comments.

At the beginning of this week, Swedish centre Mikael Bäcklund was playing for Team Sweden in Ottawa at the World Junior Hockey Championships.  On Monday, his Tre Kronor squad lost 5 – 1 at the hands of  the Canadian squad who went on to capture their 5th gold medal in as many years. 

When the tournament was over, 19 year old Bäcklund’s hockey career was questionable, with a number of options.  He could return to Sweden and continue to play for his hometown of Västerås in Sweden’s Allsvenskan League (where he hadn’t been logging a lot of ice time, and had only 8 points in 17 games). 

Or could he stay in Canada and play for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, who own his Canadian Hockey League rights.  Or perhaps he could play in the American Hockey League with Calgary’s minor league affiliate, the Quad City Flames.

Enter Darryl Sutter, Calgary Flames General Manager, who selected the 6’0”, 194 pound centre Bäcklund with Calgary’s first pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, 24^th overall.  Sutter was in Ottawa to watch the World Junior Tournament to watch his current picks and scout talent for the upcoming 2009 entry draft. 

When the tournament was all said and done, Bäcklund turned out a solid performance.  He netted 7 points in 6 games, including a pair of goals in the semi—final game versus Slovakia that earned Team Sweden a spot in the Gold Medal game.   He also earned a spot as one of Sweden’s top three players in the tournament, as voted by Team Sweden coach Pär Mårts. 

After the Gold Medal loss on Monday, Bäcklund was in Calgary the next night to meet with Sutter and attend the Flames home game versus the San Jose Sharks.  He was still in Calgary when he was recalled from the Swedish Junior Team by the Flames early Thursday morning. 

A nagging back injury for second liner Todd Bertuzzi meant Bäcklund would draw into the Flames lineup, and suit up for his first NHL game against the visiting New York Islanders.  

Bäcklund earned a regular shift during the game on the third line with Curtis Glencross and David Moss to start the game.  He had a strong first period in particular, almost scoring on his first shot on net. 

After his first National Hockey League period, Bäcklund said, “I just found out this morning that I was going to play and I was just really happy.  It feels really good to play and I’m just having fun out there.”

When the game was in the books, Calgary won the game by a final score of 5 – 2.  The rookie, who is the first Flame to ever wear the # 60, logged just over 10 minutes of ice time, and even earned some time on the second power play unit.  Bäcklund was held off the score sheet, despite a number of good scoring chances, including a miss on an air born puck on the doorstep.   

After the game, he said, “I know I can do better.  It takes some time to get used to, I think. It’s a good game for me in the best league in the world.”

It remains to be seen whether Bäcklund stays with Calgary for the rest of the season, given the fact that if he plays less than 9 games with the big club, he retains his rookie status for next year. 

Even though he may be destined for the Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets, one thing is true: it’s been an unforgettable week for the young Swede.

We have been here before. Though some of the cast members may have changed, we have been here before.

Man, was it good last time. And there is absolutely no reason it won't be everything and more tonight when Canada battles Sweden for World Junior gold on TSN.

After an awe-inspiring route to the Gold Medal game, Canada now stands 60 minutes from five straight gold medals.  

But standing in their way, a team with something to prove. Whether it's Victor Hedman looking to prove he deserves to go first overall or Sweden as a whole trying to avenge last year's heartbreaking overtime loss in the very same game to the same team, there are plenty of storylines to follow in this one.

There are differences for both teams from last year.  

A lot of the players remain, but Canada's solid defense, which was led last year by Luke Schenn and Drew Doughty, has been re-tooled. Though they don't possess the same towering back end that kept games low scoring, they do have a flare for offense and, as we found out Saturday night, a flare for the dramatics.

It's a Gold Medal game. Still, one has to wonder how it could ever be as exciting as the game the country witnessed Saturday night when Jordan Eberle provided heroics and then some for the boys in red.

But there is no doubt tonight's game will live up to the hype.  

John Tavares will battle Victor Hedman, in what could be the final hurrah to determine the first overall draft pick this summer.

Team Canada will battle Sweden. The drive for five, versus the team that feels they were robbed last year.

Fasten your seat belts. This one is going to be wild.

Just a reminder that Josh Lewis and I will be airing a live pre-show for tonight's Gold Medal game. The show airs at 6:00 pm on the Youcastr radio network.  

We'll get you all set for the big game. Plus, we'll be joined by special guest Stanley Cup Champion and former World Junior Gold Medal winner Darren Helm.

For more on the show, and to listen live, click HERE.

A few days ago I wrote an article on the Swedish team’s victory at the Golf World Cup held in China.  One of the members of that team, Henrik Stenson, has carried his good form into this European Tour Event.

After the news that a European Tour Event in India had been cancelled, the Tour wanted some good news. The Swede happily obliged and put on a terrific display at the Sun City Championship this week.

He was in a class of his own as he went into the final day a massive eight shots ahead of his nearest challenger, American Kenny Perry.

Stenson never gave the rest of the field a chance and shot a final round 68 to leave him a total of nine shots ahead of the field. He took home a tasty £800,000 at the South African event.

The in-form 32-year-old finished on 21 under par, with Perry his closest challenger after a fine 65.

Robert Karlsson was a further three shots back in third position. Britain's Lee Westwood finished in a share of fifth place with Spanish World No. 2, Sergio Garcia.

This tournament has become famous for runaway leaders. Back in 1993, Nick Price won by a very impressive 12 shots.

I personally hope that the Swede continues his rich vein of form as we come into the New Year. I also hope that he can once again challenge for a major, as I believe he has the ability to achieve those heights in his career once again. 

Final Round Leaderboard (GB & Ire unless stated)

-21 H Stenson (Swe)

-12 K Perry (US)

-9 R Karlsson (Swe)

-8 R Sabbatini (US)

-4S Garcia (Spa), L Westwood

Perhaps the greatest Swede to ever step onto the pitch, Henrik Larsson began his professional career in Högaborg at just 17 years-of-age. Eventually, he moved to Helsingborgs IF and scored 50 goals in just 56 appearances.

These performances drew the attention of Dutch club Feyenoord. Problems arised during a contract dispute and Larsson was signed by Celtic in July 1997 for £650,000. His first league match and European match with the club weren't the greatest of performances.

A giveway resulted in a goal for Hibernian, and an own-goal was scored by the Swede in his European debut. Little did everyone realize, that Larsson would go on to become one of the club's greatest players of all time.

Ultimately, he was donned the 'King of Kings'. With dreadlocks resembling Bob Marley's, Larsson led Celtic to a Scottish Premier League title and a League Cup in his first season. This ended the Rangers' run of nine consecutive titles.

The horrific leg injury he suffered in a UEFA Cup match against Lyon in 1999 could have ended his career. Those of you that saw that bottom half of his broken left leg hanging in his sock should realize how amazing it was that he managed to return to action.

More incredible was the fact that he went on to win Europe's Golden Boot in 2001, ahead of £60 million worth of Serie A talent in the form of Hernan Crespo and Andrei Shevchenko. He totalled 53 goals in all competitions that year.

In his book, Henrik Larsson: A Season In Paradise, he re-visits the agony of the injury.

My leg was really starting to hurt despite the morphine, which was making everything seem very strange... In my slightly fevered state I started thinking how a touch I'd had earlier in the game had led to me breaking my leg. If one thing had been different before... I'd now be sitting next to Mark Rieper discussing golf swings, not facing a long fight back to fitness.

This extraordinary fightback is both inspirational and courageous. Upon his return, Celtic began to win silverware on a regular basis. They won three of the next four League titles, two Scottish Cups, and a Scottish League Cup.

In the 2003 UEFA Cup Final against FC Porto, Larsson scored two goals in a 3-2 defeat to the Portuguese side. Larsson's goalscoring accomplishments earned him the record of most goals scored for a club from the British Isles in European matches.

The 37-year-old scored twice in his last appearance with Celtic to defeat Dunfermline Athletic for another Scottish Cup win. A teary-eyed Larsson gave a goodbye at his testimonial match against Sevilla FC with a full stadium of fans at Celtic Park on their feet.

Overall, he scored 242 goals in 315 matches for The Bhoys. Larsson left Celtic on a free transfer in the conclusion of the 2003-2004 season, and signed a one-year contract with Barcelona.

His role wasn't massive in Barca's La Liga win that season. He scored three goals in 12 matches and one strike in four UEFA Champions League matches. The lone Champions League marker was against his former Celtic team.

"It was very difficult for me to celebrate my goal because I had so many great times here." Larsson said, following the game.

A left knee injury limited Larsson's 2004-2005 season, but Barcelona took the option to extend his contract. He scored 10 goals the following year as the La Liga title went to Barca once again.

It was announced in January 2006 that Larsson would leave Barcelona in July to finish his career in Sweden. News of his departure saddened Ronaldinho.

"With Henrik leaving us at the end of the season this club is losing a great scorer, no question. But I am also losing a great friend. Henrik was my idol and now that I am playing next to him it is fantastic." the Brazilian said.

Larsson's final game with the Spanish club was in the Champions League Final. Coming on as a substitute, the Swede assisted both of Barcelona's goals for a 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Thierry Henry praised Larsson's performance in the match saying, "People always talk about Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Giuly and everything, but I didn't see them today, I saw Henrik Larsson. He came on, he changed the game, that is what killed the game. Sometimes you talk about Ronaldinho and Eto'o and people like that; you need to talk about the proper footballer who made the difference, and that was Henrik Larsson tonight."

Following Sweden's elimination from the 2006 World Cup, Larsson returned to join Helsingborgs IF. Shortly afterwards, he joined Manchester United on a loan. The Red Devils wanted to hang on to his services, but Larsson insisted that he made a promise to his family and club to return.

During his stay, he scored three goals in 13 matches for all competitions. Sir Alex Ferguson respected Larsson's decision.

"He's been fantastic for us, we tried everything we could to get him to stay longer, but he made a promise and you have to respect that." he said.

Internationally, Larsson scored 37 goals in 102 games for Sweden. The big stage was never too much to handle for the Swede. He chose to retire from international football in 2002, much to the disappointment of his country.

A request from his son brought Larsson out of international retirement for Euro 2004. Larsson scored three goals in four matches before Sweden were eliminated in the quarter-finals at the hand of the Dutch.

His unbelievable diving header against Bulgaria was voted Best Goal of the Tournament. He joined Sweden at the 2006 World Cup and scored one goal in the dying seconds of a match with England to earn a 2-2 draw.

Uncharacteristically, Larsson fired a penalty shot over the crossbar against Germany in the Round of 16. A second retirement from country duty was announced on July 17, 2006.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback convinced Larsson to return yet again, and he was included in the Euro 2008 squad. With the departure of Fredrik Ljungberg from the national team, Larsson was crowned the new captain on August 20, 2008.

Larsson is currently leading the team to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. When ever the time came to move on, Larsson left the world with one last impression to remember him by.

Fans worldwide (Celtic in particular) will have great memories of the legend to cherish. Henrik Larsson, you truly are the 'King of Kings'.