Sweden gunning to down Stars and Stripes

WOLFSBURG, Germany (AFP) - Sweden take on two-time champions the USA here on Wednesday at the women's World Cup with midfielder Therese Sjogran insisting her side can beat the Stars and Stripes again.

Both teams have already booked their quarter-final berths with 100 percent records, but Sweden beat the USA 2-1 the last time the sides met in China last January.
While the USA beat Colombia 3-0 and North Korea 2-0 in their opening games, Sweden squeezed past the same teams with 1-0 victories in both meetings, but Sjogran insists that the Americans hold no surprises.
"The USA are a really good team, but they?re only human," said Sjogran, who plays her club football in the States for New Jersey-based side Sky Blue.
"They are a good team but we don?t have the fear of them that we had before.
"We beat them in January in China and I feel we know how they play.
"They have changed their style, they want to go through the midfield more, so we know how we?re supposed to play against them.
"It?s going to be a hard game but I think we can get a good result."
Sweden pride themselves on their defence and the USA were frustrated not to score more in Saturday's win over Colombia.
"We want to put away more chances," said US midfielder Megan Rapinoe.
"I put a six-yarder off the post and so did Abby Wambach a couple of times.
"As the pressure becomes more and more, we'll have to be more precise."
Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby says closing down the USA's impressive attack will be the key.
"We know that it?s very hard to score against Sweden," he said.
"And if you have a very solid defence it used to be a big reason to going a long way in big tournaments."
Swedish captain Caroline Seger will miss the game with a second yellow, but says every game is now crucial.
"Every game is important no matter who we play," she said.
"We?re at the World Cup and if you want to be the best you have to beat the best."
Veteran US striker Abby Wambach has yet to score at the World Cup, but her coach Pia Sundhage is backing the 31-year-old to open her account soon after 118 international goals in 159 appearances for the Stars and Stripes.
"Abby had a couple of chances and she didn't put them away," said Sundhage.
"She will before the tournament ends, I have no doubt in my mind.
"She's a very experienced player and if you look how teams play against her it helps teammates around her.
"She will score a goal sooner or later."