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Sweden well prepared for S. Korea‘s various game plans: coach

By Yonhap

Published : June 17, 2018 - 21:06

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Swedish football coach Janne Andersson said Sunday his side is well prepared for the various tactics South Korea have planned for their upcoming match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

South Korea and Sweden will open their 2018 World Cup Group F campaign at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, some 425 kilometers east of Moscow, on Monday. Andersson said his team is all set to start the tournament.

Sweden national football team head coach Janne Andersson speaks at a press conference at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on June 17, 2018, one day ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F match against South Korea. (Yonhap) Sweden national football team head coach Janne Andersson speaks at a press conference at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on June 17, 2018, one day ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F match against South Korea. (Yonhap)

“We’re very pleased with our preparations so far,” Andersson said in an official pre-match press conference. “We have seen very few injuries, and it‘s been a good setup.”

Sweden had been training in Gelendzhik, Russia since Tuesday before coming to Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday. Andersson said he has a good idea of the South Korean team, which has been testing both a back three and a back four.

“I know South Korea had some injuries and some issues,” he said. “They’ve done some variations, but we‘re prepared for that scenario as well.”

The 55-year-old added his side also has “hidden tricks” against South Korea.

“Hidden tricks are only hidden when they’re hidden,” he said.

“If South Korea coach has his own tricks, that‘s entirely up to him. He’s free to do what he wants.”

Andersson, however, hinted that his lineup against South Korea will be similar to that used for the Peru friendly -- a typical

4-4-2 with Marcus Berg and Ola Tovionen expected to be the top two forwards.

“Yes, I did make up my mind about the lineup,” he said. “I just hope we don‘t have any last minute event this evening.” (Yonhap)