Euro 2016 Qualifying: Sweden Struggle Mightily Against Russia

By Aydin Reyhan on October 10, 2014

Sweden played host to Russia in their second Euro 2016 Qualifying match in a game that they should have won, but the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed as missed opportunities forced them to take a 1-1 draw.

The hosts played in a 4-3-3 with the Turkish-blooded duo of Erkan Zengin and Jimmy Durmaz ruling the flanks. The latter of the two even set up Ola Toivonen for the early second-half equalizer. These three connected on several occasions, but the Russian defense and keeper Igor Akinfeev were on their game with the latter even saving a first-half penalty.

Sweden were beaten on the counter for the first Russia goal, because they desired to play too much of an attacking style in the wide open 4-3-3. If they switched to a 4-4-2 pressing or even a 4-2-3-1, they could have scored another goal or two to deservedly win this game as they should have.

Ibrahimovic was on the bench, but he never made an appearance on the playing field as he is still struggling with a heel injury. His overall presence on the field brings out an extra gear from his teammates, but their desperation to attack from the wings made their plan all too predictable. Russia literally sat back and waited at times.

Sweden get their second home game in a row when they host Liechtenstein on Sunday. For that game, they could go with a 4-3-3 to build from the wings, but after what happened against Russia, they should seriously consider a 4-4-2 diamond and pressing or a 4-2-3-1 to add more stability to the midfield and be smart when facing a counter.

Durmaz and Zengin could move back to right and left midfield while Johan Elmander and Toivonen start up top to form a partnership. Elmander would only start if Ibrahimovic is still not healthy.

With Austria winning to jump up to four points along with Russia having the same, Sweden seriously needs to start winning as those two nations could easily top this group come next October.