Skip to main content

Denmark wary of in-form Ibrahimovic

The match between the Scandinavian rivals could determine who wins the group and qualifies automatically for next year's finals in South Africa. Undefeated Denmark, on 18 points, are three points ahead of second-placed Sweden with two games left.

Sweden's main problem during the campaign has been a lack of goals. They have lost 1-0 to Denmark, drawn 0-0 twice with Portugal and once with Albania, and beat Malta 1-0 last month only thanks to an own goal.

"Zlatan is one of the best right now. I have great respect for his performances," Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner told Danish tabloid BT.

"He seems to be in a fantastic form in Barcelona, but that doesn't mean he will be that for Sweden."

Denmark would still be in with a chance of winning the group if they draw or lose but want to win before they face dangerous Hungary next week. Sweden's opponents in the final round are the less imposing Albania at home.

"They (Denmark) are in the best position right now but we have got a big chance and now we are going to get them," daily Aftonbladet quoted Ibrahimovic as saying. "If we win, we've got a big chance of winning the group."

While Sweden have struggled to score, Denmark's troubles have been at the back because of injuries. The Danes have fielded a different defence, including a different goalkeeper, in every qualifier so far.

"It gives us a boost to have him back, and if nothing bad happens during the next training sessions, then he'll be in the lineup (on Saturday)," said Denmark coach Morten Olsen, who has some unfinished business from the last time the two sides met in Copenhagen during a Euro 2008 qualifier.

"The way I see it, we didn't lose that match. It ended 3-3," Olsen was quoted as saying by Aftonbladet.

"In my eyes, we had the upper hand during the last 20 minutes. Then things happened that we more or less could not control."