A long history of not qualifying for Europe's big party was ended as hosts in 1992 when Sweden surprised everyone by fighting through to the semi-finals. Missing out on Euro 96 and a first round exit in 2000 set the national side back but a quarter final berth in 2004 in Portugal helped buoy the spirits and with a strong side this time around they will be hopeful of matching their last run.
A problematic Group F with big guns Spain and fellow Scandanavians Denmark was made all the more difficult by the surprise package Northern Ireland who only relented their challenge for qualification late in the series. Sweden struggled at times and dropping five points against the Irish in particular almost ended their hopes. They eventually managed to find second place and looked much more comfortable than they showed at times.
Lars Lagerback has been Swedish coach since 2000 when he joined coach Tommy Soderberg as joint national coach. Qualification for World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004 followed for the pair before Soderberg stepped aside to coach the Under 21s leaving Lagerback in sole control. His reign hasn't been without problems in recent years but, despite rumours to the contrary, he has signed a new two year contract after Euro 2008 and appears to be holding on tight to the job.
Standing almost 6 feet 4 inches tall, it would be easy to dismiss striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as just another lanky target man. Easy that is until you watch him. Silky skills and the audacity to use them have earned him a reputation as one of Europe's top players while his attitude has brought the tag of Sweden's bad boy.
Playmaker Kim Kallstrom often failed to receive the praise he deserved until he joined Lyon in 2006 and was able to strut his stuff in the Champion's League. A fine passer and strong worker in the midfield, he creates and isn't afraid to unleash a thunderbolt of his own every once in a while.
