No going Dutch today

Sweden have excelled in every facet of the game in their three matches so far and are on course to emulate their run to the World Cup semi-finals in France in 1998.

They showed brilliant attacking form to beat Bulgaria 5-0, incredible resilience to claim a 1-1 draw with Italy in their second game and then great heart to come from behind twice against Denmark and clinch top spot in Group C.

‘‘Sweden have a strong team with a lot of physical power,’’ said winger Arjen Robben. ‘‘Their best quality can be found in their attack but for sure we will have a chance against them.’’

The attacking guile comes from Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who have notched five goals between them so far.

‘‘We understand each other on and off the pitch,’’ Larsson said of Ibrahimovic, who at 22 is 10 years his junior. ‘‘He does things I didn’t think were possible.’’ The Dutch could hardly have started less impressively than Sweden, as they salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw against Germany.

Coach Dick Advocaat ditched their defensive formation and instead played two wingers with just one holding midfielder against the Czech Republic.

They were unlucky to lose 3-2. Although their campaign was faltering, the Dutch stuck with the system against Latvia and an assured performance has given them hope of emulating their 1988 European Championship success.

Their only injury problem is central defender Wilfred Bouma but his replacement Frank de Boer performed well on returning to the side against Latvia and is likely to keep his place.

Sweden have a bigger worry in right back Teddy Lucic, who has not fully recovered from a painful rib injury suffered in their opening game against Bulgaria.

With Erik Edman, another fullback, suspended there is little experienced cover in the squad in those positions. Sweden’s team doctor Magnus Forssblad rates Lucic only 50-50 but co-coaches Lars Lagerback and Tommy Soderberg may be forced to risk him. (Reuters)