Larsson return lifts Swedes' spirits

Sweden's hopes of advancing from an awkward Group C depend on a winning start against Bulgaria today and Henrik Larsson is just the man to deliver victory.

With theoretically tougher fixtures against Denmark and Italy to come, the Swedes will expect to beat a team they have had few problems with in the last 30 years.

Sweden have an impressive seven wins and two draws from the past nine meetings and Bulgaria have to go back to 1967 for their last success.

As if that was not enough to tilt the odds in favour of the Scandinavians in Lisbon, they have the considerable boost of the return of prodigious striker Larsson.

The record-breaking forward, who left Celtic to find a new challenge at the end of the season, has changed his mind about playing for his country after retiring two years ago and marked his return with a goal in the 3-1 win over Poland.

His partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives Sweden a real cutting edge and Bulgaria's sometimes shaky defence will be in for a stiff test.

"Everybody's been welcoming me since I came back and that's very good," Larsson said.

"I think I bring a lot of experience but I've never been the guy who talks about what I do or don't do. I try to do all of those things on the pitch."

Ajax's Ibrahimovic was among the many welcoming Larsson's return.

"It means a lot, not only for me but for the Swedish team, the supporters, the whole country," he said.

Bulgaria are well aware of the threat Larsson brings.

"We know he is the star and we respect him," said goalkeeper Zdravko Zdravkov.

"But there is very little difference between the teams in this competition so anyone can spring a surprise," he added before Greece shocked Portugal in Saturday's opening game.

Bulgaria's hopes depend heavily on striker Dimitar Berbatov putting away the few chances he is likely to get but the likes of Larsson's Celtic team-mate Stilian Petrov might have to be more concerned with defending than setting up attacks.

The Swedes have plenty of creativity in midfield, with Rennes youngster Kim Kallstrom nicely complemented by Arsenal's hard-running Freddie Ljungberg.

Sweden's only concern is defender Olof Mellberg, who is playing through the pain of a long-term Achilles tendon injury.

Bulgaria's chief worry is midfielder Martin Petrov, who strained a hamstring last week but is expected to play.

Probable teams

Sweden: Isaksson; Lucic, Mellberg, Jakobsson, Edman; Wilhelmsson, Linderoth, Kallstrom, Ljungberg; Ibrahimovic, Larsson.

Bulgaria: Zdravkov; Borimirov, Pazhin, Kirilov, Petkov; Peev, Hristov, S. Petrov, M. Petrov; Jankovic; Berbatov.

Referee: Mike Riley (England).

On TV: RaiUno - 8.45 p.m.