Sunday, November 12, 2017

Sweden on Brink of Huge Moment

Sweden has taken a 1-0 lead back to Italy for tomorrow nights crucial second leg of the UEFA playoff. 

Sweden is unfamiliar with these playoff type formats. They were able to survive the Denmark attack up 2-1 in the 2016 Euro Qualifying playoff but Italy might be a step up from Denmark. 

Sweden has done their job. A 1-0 win at home which produced a win and a clean sheet that they can take back to Italy Monday. 

To me, the question becomes will Italy rise to the occasion or will they fold under pressure. In the history of these two legged ties, 1-0 is easily reversible especially for a team like Italy. 

It should be a historic night in the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza also known aa the San Siro.  If Sweden survive the barrage that Italy has in store for Sweden then Sweden will deserve it. However, if Italy finds a way to break Sweden down than it will be a historic night for Italy. 

Italy have never lost in 31 games at the San Siro but a win might not be good enough. If Sweden score once than Italy need three and that will be tough against a Sweden team playing well without pressure. 

Sweden folded under pressure in 2010 qualifying and now it's Italy's turn to take an aging roster into a pressure pack situation. Someone needs to step or Italy is going to be out. 

I can't wait for the game tomorrow, I think their will be a magical moment at some point of the game. 

It seems too close to call but I can't imagine Italy finding a way not scoring for two games in a row. 

Italy will score two in the 41st and 73rd minute to send Italy to World Cup 2018 in Russia. 

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