Denmark, Sweden keen to debunk conspiracy theory

But they believe strongly in the capacity for a surprise of their own from pedigree striker Henrik Larsson and the unpredictable genius of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored a brilliant late equaliser against Italy on Friday.

The Swedes and the Danes have called the idea of a Scandinavian conspiracy Machiavellian.

Sweden are still without injured right back Teddy Lucic so midfielder Mikael Nilsson will probably continue in defence with Christian Wilhelmsson remaining on the right of midfield.

Midfielder Tobias Linderoth is suspended and Kim Kallstrom, who came on against Bulgaria and Italy, is the likely replacement. Otherwise, they will probably start with the team that took the field against the Italians.

Denmark could use Gronkjaer from the start for Dennis Rommedahl. Gronkjaer, just back with the squad after the death of his mother and short of practice, had to come on sooner than planned against Bulgaria because Rommedahl was injured but stayed the pace and scored a good stoppage-time goal. (Reuters)

Probable teams

Denmark (4-3-3): 1-Thomas Sorensen; 6-Thomas Helveg, 4-Martin Laursen, 3-Rene Henriksen, 5-Niclas Jensen; 7-Thomas Gravesen, 9-Jon Dahl Tomasson, 15-Daniel Jensen; 8-Jesper Gronkjaer, 11-Ebbe Sand, 10-Martin Joergensen

Sweden (4-4-2): 1-Andreas Isaksson; 7-Mikael Nilsson, 3-Olof Mellberg, 15-Andreas Jakobsson, 5-Erik Edman; 21-Christian Wilhelmsson, 16-Kim Kallstrom, 8-Anders Svensson, 9-Fredrik Ljungberg; 10-Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 11-Henrik Larsson

Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)

Did you know?

• Denmark is yet to concede a goal in the tournament so far.

• Every time Sweden and Denmark have played each other at a major tournament, one of them has gone on to win the title.

• The teams have not drawn in their last 13 meetings

• Italy have never scored more than two goals in a European Championship finals match

• None of Italy’s 22 matches at the European Championship finals have featured more than three goals in total or more than two goals by either of the two nations involved

• Italy have failed to win their last four matches at European Championship finals — their longest run without a victory a the finals

• Denmark last received a red card at a European Championship 20 years ago. Klaus Berggreen was sent off against Spain on June 28, 1984

Track Record

• Since Euro 2000 Sweden have lost only twice in 24 competitive matches — against Senegal in the 2002 World Cup in extra time and versus Latvia in Euro 2004 qualifying after having already guaranteed a place in the finals. * Denmark are unbeaten in six competitive matches — both Euro 2004 games against Italy and Bulgaria and the last four qualifying matches for Euro 2004

• Italy have only lost one match in the group phase of an European Championship finals, a 2-1 defeat against Czech Republic in 1996

• Bulgaria have lost their last three matches and also their last three competitive matches without scoring. Their only victory this year was a 3-0 win over Cameroon in a warm-up match for Euro 2004