Eriksson - aims to reverse past trend (Allsport).

By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Japan

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For a Swede, taking on Brazil in the World Cup is almost inevitable. As is losing to them. Sven-Goran Eriksson has some task on his hands to reverse the trends of history this week.

If England's past record against Brazil at World Cups - one draw and two defeats - is bad, Sweden's is positively awful.

They have played them seven times and lost five, including the 1958 final when Pele announced his arrival on the world stage, while drawing just twice.

In 1994, even after playing Brazil in the group stages, who should they meet in the semi-finals? You guessed it.

Brazil not only won that game but went onto lift the trophy courtesy of a penalty shoot-out victory against Italy.

This time, however, Tord Grip, who was Sweden's assistant coach eight years ago and is now Eriksson's right-hand man, believes the script is different ahead of Friday's quarter-final clash.

Not only does he perceive a greater defensive weakness about Brazil than in 1994, but also a greater strength about England than the Swedes then had.

"It was a very good team in 1994. We had all the players in form," recalled Grip. "But this team has better players.

"I said before the World Cup that we could go all the way and we hope that we can give Brazil a good game now.

"I think the Brazilian team of 1994 were very well organised. Defensively, they were a bit stronger than this one."

In 1994, Brazil had two midfield shields in Dunga and Mauro Silva ahead of two centre-backs, allowing their full-backs to bomb forward safe in the knowledge that adequate cover lay behind.

They attempt the same tactics this time round as well, with Cafu and Roberto Carlos having the licence to roam forward, but now there is only really Edmilson to cover in front of Lucio and Roque Junior.

It is certainly more risky and that should, fitness permitting, leave Michael Owen with space to exploit. Indeed, the Liverpool striker should be the key to any hopes that England have of victory.

Teddy Sheringham was among those players to have seen cause for hope as well as respect as Brazil struggled to overcome Belgium in their second round victory in Kobe earlier this week.

He observed: "Brazil look very good going forward, always look likely to score goals. Our defenders will have to be on the top of their game.

"But Belgium had a lot of opportunities and the goal they had disallowed would have changed the game.

"So that gives you a bit of hope. We have to attack the situation. We can't let them come on to us."

Belgium captain Marc Wilmots provided an object lesson in how to torment Brazil's vulnerable defence by dropping deep into space.

However, it is Brazil's attacking strength that is the bad news for England.

For while Juninho and Gilberto Silva provide the attacking platform, there is a blank canvas ahead of them upon which the three Rs - Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo - can paint any picture they wish.

They are capable of changing a game in the bat of an eyelid, ensuring that is the beautiful game the way it is meant to be played.

Even a moment's loss of concentration if fatal. Not only Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole and Danny Mills, but also Nicky Butt as their midfield shield, need to have the game of their lives in Shizuoka on Friday.

"I heard people back home were saying every player would have to have an eight out of 10 performance to beat Brazil," added Sheringham.

"I think we need three players to have a nine-and-a-half out of 10 performance and the rest to have at least eight.

"It is a more difficult game than Argentina and there are key battles all over the pitch."

Those confrontations are, indeed, enticing, such as David Beckham up against Roberto Carlos after numerous Champions League battles between Manchester United and Real Madrid.

What England need, above all else, however, is to retain their shape, discipline and patience. This is, after all, a defence that has conceded just one goal in four games so far.

"Their build-up is slower than Argentina but they are explosive up front. They will keep the ball and try to draw us out and then get in behind us with their pace up front," added Butt.

It was Germany coach Rudi Voeller who observed recently that the best team does not always win a World Cup.

Otherwise, he added, Brazil would have been champions 14 times instead of four.

The lesson of this World Cup is the same. Teams win matches, not just individuals.

Brazil could be the exception that proves the rule, given that Ronaldo and Rivaldo have nine goals between them and are both capable of truly astonishing feats of skill.

However, England now have a settled side who are growing in maturity and confidence.

Eriksson said: "You need a very organised team to win big tournament and in that you need some big stars with some invention, fantasy and the things you can't teach as a coach like the crosses and passes of Beckham.

"I think we have both of those."

Whether that is enough remains to be seen. Brazil will dominate possession, especially in the anticipated afternoon heat of Shizuoka, but England have the ability to soak up pressure and then pounce.

It is, realistically, an impossible result to predict with any certainty. Maybe this time, however, the force will be with a Swede managing England.