GROUP F / SWEDEN

*--* World Cup record: Played 38 (15-15-8); goals for: 66; goals against: 60 Best finish: Third in 1994 1998 showing: Did not qualify Coaches: Tommy Soderberg, Lars Lagerback. Soderberg replaced Tommy Svensson, who coached Sweden to the 1994 semifinals, in 1997. Lagerback was promoted from assistant to co-coach three years later. They guided Sweden to the top of its 2002 qualification group Players to watch: Fredrik Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson, Magnus Hedman, Patrik Andersson, Anders Svensson In brief: In Larsson, who led European club players in scoring in 2001, and Ljungberg, whose late-season scoring led Arsenal to the English Premier League and F.A. Cup titles, Sweden has more offensive punch than in ’94. Andersson appears ready after tearing knee ligaments in February Quick quote: “If [Larsson] just plays his game and the rest of the team pull their weight, we will be more than satisfied.”--Lagerback Forecast: No surprise if Sweden reaches the second round

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