Swedish duo in bust-up
Swedish duo in bust-up
Also In The News
|
An early Pauleta goal was enough to secure victory for Portugal against an Angola side which acquitted itself well on its World Cup debut in Cologne. |  |
Monday, 12, Jun 2006 09:17
Sweden have admitted that Freddie Ljungberg and Olof Mellberg had a dressing-room bust-up after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Trinidad & Tobago.
The Swedish camp initially denied the reports but a spokesman later said there was a 'short but hot' dispute between them.
The pair have clashed on international duty before, prior to the 2002 World Cup, but the Arsenal midfielder has insisted that there is no problem between the two.
"We want to go far in this tournament so that's why we discussed it and hopefully we'll play better against Paraguay," Ljungberg said.
"I socialise more with other players than I socialise with Mellberg but I have all respect for him as a person and as a player so there's no problem there."
Sweden were expected to beat the Caribbean side but they were held to a surprise stalemate and now must get at least four points from their last two games, against Paraguay and England, if they are to progress to the knockout stages.
The coach, Lars Lagerback, has dismissed the incident, saying that he was pleased to see the passion in the players.
"Sometimes it's like that after a game, especially if you don't get the result you want," Lagerback said.
"There are lots of feelings after a match like that but if you win, most people are happy in the locker room."
Sweden face Paraguay in Berlin on Thursday.