General

Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group E Preview: Netherlands Host Sweden In Day’s Premier Match

Oct 12, 2010, 6:43 AM UTC

If Moldova can hold the Netherlands to one goal (as they did on Friday), surely a more talented Sweden can hold the Arjen Robben-less, Robin van Persie-less Dutch scoreless. Let's consider the implications if they do.

The Swedes will have taken a point from their most difficult match and given themselves two routes to winning Group E. First, if they beat the Netherlands in Solna next year, they would probably win the group. However, in the interim, Sweden would also have a chance to rack-up a goal difference advantage. If they carry that into the October 2011 match, a draw could win them the group.

But that's October 2011. We're way ahead of ourselves. On Tuesday, Sweden has to take the first step, which will center around preventing Wesley Sneijder from setting-up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt (let alone scoring on his own). Lyon's Kim Kallstrom will be the key man, playing a deep-sitting midfield role that will see him matched-up with the Dutch playmaker.

If Kallstrom can impersonate a world-class destroyer for 90 minutes, Sweden can get a result. The biggest problem with that plan: Kallstrom’s not a world-class destroyer.

Finland versus Hungary, 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Helsinki Olympic Stadium - Finland's shock loss in Moldova means they have no further margin for error. Even a draw against Hungary will likely put second place out of reach. As such, Stuart Baxter has been able to convince Jussi Jaaskelainen to come out of international retirement for one match, alleviating fitness concerns at the goalkeeper position.

San Marino versus Moldova, 2:30 p.m. Eastern, Stadio Olimpico de Serravalle - The one road match Moldova will be favored to win - San Marino is that bad.

Netherlands versus Sweden, 2:30 p.m. Eastern, Amsterdam ArenA - The Netherlands’ Friday performance in Moldova was likely an off day, but if it wasn’t - if the Oranje is really that hindered without Robben and van Persie - they could control 66 percent of the possession but be left with a 0-0. Or worse, Zlatan Ibrahimovic could continue scoring goals and steal three points for Sweden.

Picks