Hedman feels Nigeria give up lots of space (Allsport)
HEDMAN TIPS ENGLAND TO SHINE
By Jason Hughes, PA International, Kobe
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Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman believes England's forwards will get a hatful
of chances against Nigeria as they look to clinch their place in the second
round of the World Cup.
Hedman is in a good position to judge both sides after the Swedes beat the
Super Eagles 2-1 in Kobe, thanks to a Henrik Larsson double, five days
after drawing with England.
The Coventry player said: "I thought Nigeria created more chances against us
than England did, but what they also did was give us a lot of space.
"With the right players playing, like Darius Vassell and Michael Owen running
at them with their speed and movement, I see England getting a lot of
openings."
However Hedman was quick to warn Sven-Goran Eriksson's men about the attacking
threat posed by the Nigerians, who will have nothing but pride to play for in
Osaka on Wednesday.
He said: "Nigeria are a side who can break away very quick. The speed of
their players going forward is awesome.
"The pace of the game is always high when you play England, but with Nigeria
it's different because it goes up and down a lot - and when it's high, it's very
high.
"They are fantastic athletes and even though they are not the tallest
players, they are also great in the air."
The Swedes now need just a point from their final 'Group of Death' encounter
against Argentina, 1-0 losers to England, to guarantee their place in
the last 16.
And Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg believes they possess the mental
strength to see themselves over the final hurdle.
"We have been behind in both our games against England and against Nigeria
and managed to get points out of it so that shows good team spirit," he said.
"I am positive we can produce more of the same against Argentina if we have
to."
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