Danskjavlar is an affectionate Swedish expression that can best be translated as ‘Bloody Danes’. It was used quite a lot after last month’s qualifying draw pitted Sweden against Denmark in the Euro 2016 play-off, with the first leg tonight in Stockholm.

Sebastian Larsson claims Sweden will be able to give Cristiano Ronaldo a rough ride in tonight’s World Cup play-off in Stockholm because English referee Howard Webb will not fall for his “tricks”.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren says striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic can win his personal duel with Cristiano Ronaldo and see them through their World Cup play-off with Portugal, which kicks off in Lisbon tonight (Estadio da Luz, 7.45pm).

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni launched an impassioned defence of his reign after seeing his side’s hopes of World Cup qualification all but blown out of the water.

Few nations visiting the rebuilt Lansdowne Road have been greeted by a raucous atmosphere but Seb Larsson admitted last night that Sweden’s ambitions of getting a result may hinge on quietening the home crowd.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP C:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be given a licence to roam by Erik Hamren this evening, with the Swedish boss intimating his captain may be able to do some damage if he drops deep.

Sweden superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is prepared for anything the Republic of Ireland might throw at him in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Stockholm.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren would prefer if the roof on the Friends Arena was closed tomorrow in their crucial World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Stockholm.

The exterior of Stockholm’s Friends Arena was turned green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the weekend, but groundstaff have a way to go to make the pitch green for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland.

Swedish coach Erik Hamren has warned that Ireland will set out to be party poopers in Stockholm when the countries meet in a World Cup qualifier on Friday week.

Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has urged England counterpart Steven Gerrard to quit Liverpool and move to “a big international club”.

A sound sleeper who dreams of glory, Sweden coach Erik Hamren has overseen a masterclass in taking a laid-back approach to his side’s Euro 2012 Group D opener against co-hosts Ukraine.

Croatia’s friendly with Sweden tonight will be a good rehearsal for their Euro 2012 opener against the Republic of Ireland, coach Slaven Bilic claimed yesterday.

SWEDEN coach Erik Hamren has targeted the matches against the Republic of Ireland as his side’s best chances of finishing second in World Cup qualifying Group C after Saturday night’s draw.

The frozen head of man who was devoted to vampire role playing games has been found in an Swedish river.