Sweden coach Erik Hamren yesterday said that their first Euro 2012 opponents Ukraine were favourites to win, given their home advantage.

“We’ve played Ukraine three times in the last few years and we’ve won one, lost one and drawn the other. There’s not much between the two sides,” he said.

“But they’ve got the support of the home country. That’s the reason why they’re obviously favourites,” for the Group D opener on Monday in Kiev, Hamren added, noting that few host countries of major championships lose their first match.

Sweden came into the tournament on a high after a 3-2 friendly win against Iceland and a 2-1 victory over Serbia.

Hamren urged caution, however.

“When the tournament starts, it’s a different story. But good preparation and good results makes you feel good.”