WORLD CUP USA ‘94: SEMIFINALS : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE
At Rose Bowl Pasadena
Sweden vs. Brazil
* TIME: 4:30 p.m. PDT
* TV: ESPN, Univision
* KEY MATCHUPS: Everyone talks about Brazil’s showy front line but never its defense. Sweden is praised for its defense but hardly ever for its offensive threat. In fact, however, these are the best balanced teams in the tournament, although they employ widely differing styles. Brazil will attack, using the tandem of Bebeto and Romario to probe Sweden’s resolute zone defense. The Swedes will do everything they can to prevent Bebeto, Romario or both from getting inside the 18-yard box. The Swedes think they can handle shots from way outside and clear any rebounds. Inside the penalty area, though, Brazil is deadly. Sweden will use its one speedy player, Martin Dahlin, and look for long passes from Kennet Andersson and the relentless Tomas Brolin. Dahlin, forced to leave the game against Romania with leg cramps, said Tuesday he expects to play against Brazil. Midfielder Jonas Thern, who sat out the Romania game with a swollen knee, hopes to be back today.
* OUTLOOK: Soccer coaches love Sweden, whose players are hard-working, disciplined and fully committed. Soccer players love Brazil, whose players are creative, skillful and take risks with the ball that few others would dare. Brazil has had trouble scoring early but if it does and the offense is able to find a rhythm, Sweden might as well samba back to Stockholm. How to stop Brazil? Sweden must go right at Brazil and use its superior size and strength. The back-pack approach Sweden used against Brazil two weeks ago was fine under the circumstances. But dropping eight players back will leave Sweden vulnerable and without weapons. This game means too much to play defensively.
* OUTCOME: Although there is strong sentiment that Brazil deserves to be in the championship game, many fans favor Sweden because it is an underdog and because of its work ethic. Fans don’t get a vote, though. Brazil wins.
