Nazionali: Sweden-Estonia 2-0, too much Ibrahimovic for the team of Magnus Pehrsson
The midfield line needs a review since Karol Mets (normally a defender at FC Flora) showed his limits in the role of defensive midfielder (the first goal came from the developments of a set-piece conceded by his fouling) compelling Martin Vunk to double-teaming several times to avoid embarrassment. Needless to say the best act in the defensive line was offered by Ragnar Klavan, the only player of the squad who is a regular in a big league’s club (FC Augsburg, Bundesliga). The other central defender, Igor Morozov, carries a big responsibility for letting Ibra score his 50th record goal with a back-heel as he completely forgot to mark the man from Rosengard. Sergei Pareiko was the usual stronghold between the sticks saving several times both on Ibrahimovic and on the interesting AIK Solna talent, Nabil Bahoui, at his debut in the yellow strip.
The second half brought less intensity since both coaches resorted to use all the 6 allowed changes. A bureaucratic issue Erik Hamren complained against as he had preferred to field a completely different XI in the second half, however the FIFA rules do not allow that (otherwise, the game would be written off from the official book).
Ahead of the European qualifier fixture against Slovenia (Monday the 8th of September at 20:45 CEST), Pehrsson will have few issues to solve:
- Whether to go on with 4-1-4-1 until Vassiljev will be back (and could be November according to the last medical report) or reintroduce the 4-2-3-1 experimented during the summer;
- In case he will opt for the latter, who to entrust Vassiljev’s role;
- Whether field Mets again or not in the defensive midfielder role;
- Whether to replace Morozov in the centre of the defence.
It is the opinion of this columnist that the best possible solution would be to returned to a more balanced 4-2-3-1 (which can easily and quickly turn into 4-5-1 when not in possession) and give Mets a rest for such an important game. Slovenia are meant to be Estonia’s nr.1 opponents for the third place (play-offs) in a group made up also by England, Switzerland, Lithuania and the tiny San Marino.
Lindpere showed surprising good signs (he has been blighted by injuries at Banik Ostrava) and could reasonably take Vassiljev’s place behind the lone striker.
Quitting Morozov after his big mistake in Stockholm would sound as as reasonable choice. However, the alternatives on the bench are not the ones you would normally go for in an international qualifier. Both Artjom Artjunin and Alo Bärengrub come from the domestic league (Levadia and Nõmme Kalju) with the first having collected just three caps and the latter in down of his season form at the club (in last club game he conceded a penalty for miscommunication with the goalkeeper that cost him also a red card). The third alternative might be to bring Karol Mets where he does belong: the central defence. 4th of September 2014 Sweden vs. Estonia 2-0 (friendly)
Players ratings here: http://www.rumodispo.com/eesti-koondis/swe-est
8th of September 2014 Estonia vs. Slovenia (Euro 2016 qualifier) Slovenian call-ups: http://www.rumodispo.com/eesti-koondis/slovenia-list-call-ups
Angelo Palmeri
Rumori di Spogliatoio / Estonian football
www.rumodispo.com
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