Sweden want to beat England and win group: Coach

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BREMEN, June 18: Sweden will play to win against England on Tuesday and want to finish first in Group B even if a draw or defeat might in theory help them avoid hosts Germany in the knockout stage, coach Lars Lagerback said.

''The players always want to win,'' he said, dismissing speculation they would rather avoid Germany and thus be keen to let England win the group. ''I would truly like to win. At the same time, we know one point is good enough to get us through.'' Ecuador and Germany have already qualified for the knockout stage with six points each but the hosts need to win Tuesday's early game in Berlin to top Group A since the South Americans have a better goal difference.

Sweden are second in Group B with four points behind England, who have six, ahead of their clash in Cologne. England are already through to the last 16 and need a draw to finish top while Sweden can guarantee runners-up spot with a point.

The winners of Group A face the second-placed team from Group B on Saturday June 24 in Munich with the Group B winners taking on the Group A runners-up in Stuttgart the following day.

Lagerback said that aside from bragging rights over their long-time rivals England, topping the group would give them an extra day to prepare for the next round. He also said trying to play for a certain result is a risky business in soccer.

''It's always special for Sweden teams to play England,'' Lagerback said.

England have not beaten Sweden since a 3-1 victory at Wembley on May 22, 1968. Sweden have won four of their matches since with seven draws, including a 1-1 at the 2002 World Cup.

''You always want to win games,'' said Lagerback. ''It's better for both of us, for the coaches and the players to win. But I would be quite satisfied with one point if we go through.

''You have to approach such a game with the idea to control it as well as you can.'' If Sweden lose, then Trinidad&Tobago, who have one point from a goalless draw with the Scandinavians, could sneak through on goal difference if they beat Paraguay by enough goals.

Lagerback said Sweden could not afford to play for a result to avoid Germany in the next round.

''We're not 100 percent clear for the group stage. We have to focus on our game and see that we get at least one point. I would choose to win. It's very difficult to play for a result.'' Asked if he wanted Ecuador instead of Germany, lagerbakc said: ''I don't think it matters too much. Perhaps it could be an advantage to play Ecuador because Germany will get a lot from their supporters. But it really doesn't matter to me.''

REUTERS