Sweden begin their European Under-21 Championship campaign in Olomouc on 18 June against Italy – the side that beat them the last time they reached the final in 1992 – probably hoping to spring a few surprises in the Czech Republic.
Whilst arguably not expected to go anywhere near as far this time around the Swedes could prove dark horses, if they are able to upset a strong group containing all of Italy, Portugal and England.
Route to the Finals
Topping their qualifying group, Sweden were pushed hard by Greece, Poland and Turkey – with just three points separating them from the fourth-placed Turks – and had fallen behind their rivals going into the final round of matches.
However, after beating Greece 3-0 on 5 September 2014, an injury-time winner from captain Oscar Hiljemark secured a memorable 4-3 victory over Turkey on home soil in the final group match four days later to seal top spot.
That led to an equally nervous encounter with France in the playoff stage, particularly after losing the first-leg 2-0 in Le Mans, but a brace each from Isaac Kiese Thelin and Oscar Lewicki gave Sweden a comprehensive 4-1 win to progress to the tournament proper on aggregate.
Past Record
This will be the Blagult’s sixth appearance at the tournament since its inception as an Under-21 format in 1978, but their first since qualifying as hosts in 2009.
In 2009 they reached the semi final stage, only to lose 5-4 to England on penalties.
However, despite that disappointment, striker Marcus Berg left the tournament with plenty of personal plaudits after finishing top scorer with seven goals.
Sweden have reached the semi final stage on two other occasions in 1990 and 2004 – when last qualifying through a competitive process – but their loss to Italy in the 1992 tournament remains their best-ever finish.
A prominent force in the Azzurrini side during a two-legged tie back then was AC Milan legend Demetrio Albertini, as goals from Renato Buso and Gianluca Sordo in the first match helped seal a 2-1 aggregate win.
Key Player
Ten goals in 18 Under-21 internationals highlights the importance to the side of powerful frontman John Guidetti, even if he has somewhat failed to become a more prominent figure in club football and has now been released by Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has spent more time away from Manchester in recent years – loan postings at Burnley, Feyenoord, Stoke City and last season Celtic – however, he has plenty of talent and will give opponents a tough time.
If he can recapture the form that saw him net 20 Eredivisie goals in just 23 matches this summer. then potential suitors will be rushing to his door come the competition’s close.
The Coach
Leading the Swedish youngsters into battle is Hakan Ericson, the son of former national coach Georg Ericson, who had been lecturing at Orebro University until taking up his current position in a caretaker capacity in 2009.
However, a career in education did come after nearly 20 years coaching a number of club sides in his homeland, starting in 1983 with FK Kick and ending in 2003 with IFK Norrkoping.
The 55-year-old was handed the Under-21 reins full-time in January 2011 and clearly takes an attacking outlook with 20 goals scored in qualifying, but conceding 14 at the same time may indicate a need for a more balanced approach.
