Larsson focuses on last eight place
Now Henrik Larsson has confirmed he wants to continue his international career beyond Euro 2004, there is just a little matter of getting Sweden into the last eight.
Larsson has fully justified his decision to end his international retirement and play for Sweden – two goals against Bulgaria and a blistering performance in the 1-1 draw with Italy have said everything about his desire and commitment to his country.
The departing Celtic striker has put aside his quest to find a new club, having stressed he wants to go “somewhere sunny”, to spearhead his nation’s bid for the quarter-finals.
However, it seems his choice of new club when this tournament ends will be either Barcelona or Villareal in Spain.
But that is still some way off and Larsson is confident Sweden can secure a draw against Denmark in the Bessa stadium which will guarantee their possession.
Many felt his appearance in Portugal would be a one-off as far as a Sweden comeback is concerned but he revealed: “It is my intention to stay on if I am still playing at a high level.”
Coach Lars Lagerback said: “He was outstanding against Bulgaria and played in three different positions in the draw with Italy and turned in a really excellent performance for the team.”
Larsson added: “I have always believed in this team and still do. I believe we can go a long way in this tournament and it was nice when people wanted me back.”
The striker is the biggest danger to Denmark’s record as the only side here not to have conceded a goal so far.
Sadly the game is being overshadowed by Italian claims that Denmark and Sweden could engineer a 2-2 draw and force Italy out of the competition.
Such is the state of fear in the Italian camp even their TV station RAI have taken up two extra camera positions behind each goal – they wanted seven – to try to spot any potential skulduggery.
Italian players Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Del Piero have all openly voiced their fears of a conspiracy but all seem to dismiss the fact that Bulgaria – already out – have said they will field a second team.
Sweden’s Ajax striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put the whole theory into perspective saying: “This has not been mentioned by any of the players. All we want to do is win the game, there is not even a possibility of anything else.”
Largerback added: “There is no question we would arrange anything. At this level you try to everything you can to win, it is not in our minds to do anything else.”
If Sweden are to beat the Danes, they will have to do so without Tobias Linderoth who picked up a one-match suspension after his second yellow card of the tournament in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Italy.
The likelihood is that either Petter Hansson or Johan Mjallby will be called in as cover, although Brondby defender Andreas Jakobsson could play the anchoring role.
