Football / World Cup USA '94: Sweden ready to exploit Russian strategy

SWEDEN go into today's Group B match with Russia in Detroit hoping their opponents are still stunned by a comprehensive 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil. Tommy Svensson, the Swedish coach, said the Russians formation, if repeated, could only help his team.

'Russia are playing with tactics they haven't used before,' he said. 'They're playing more man-to- man marking with emphasis on strong midfield play, which made things easier for Brazil. They played the same way all spring and then they suddenly changed.'

The Scandinavians drew 2-2 with Cameroon in their first game and need to beat Russia since they finish with a tough test against Brazil.

Pavel Sadyrin, the Russian coach, remained defiant. 'We are going on with the original plan. We are not going to change it,' he said. Their captain and defender, Viktor Onopko, who was suspended for their first match, is set to return and changes are expected at the other end of the field. 'We had problems with our attack against Brazil and we will have to improve on that,' Sadyrin said.