BK Hacken 4-2 Trelleborgs 30th March 2010

BK Hacken joined Helsingborgs as the only sides to have a 100% win record after three games. This was an entertaining game at the Rambergsvallen and it was the impressive hosts that raced into a 2-0 lead just after the half-hour. Jonas Bjurstrom and John Chibuike both getting the goals.

Trelleborgs' own poacher Andres Drugge pulled a goal back after 53 minutes but two minutes later BK Hacken restored their two goal lead with Paulo Oliveira.

Three minutes left in the game and Josef Karlsson made it 4-1 to a cheers of the home crowd. Trellborgs managed to claw another goal back in stoppage time through Andres Wihlborg but it wasn't enough to change the game.

Orebro 0-2 Mjallby 29th March 2010

A surprise result at the Berhn Arena. Orebro defeated by newly promoted Superttan champions Mjallby.

Fresh from his hat-trick last week Marcus Ekenberg got another goal on 15 minutes. Ekenberg certainly taking the Allsvenskan by storm this year. The hosts Orebro had chances to get themselves back into the game but Mjallby were next to score which settled the game. Ten minutes left and Mostapha El-Kabir made it 2-0. A fantastic result for Mjallby and so far are exceeding expectations.

Helsingborgs 2-0 IFK Goteborg 29th March 2010

Helsingborgs remain the only side in the Allsvenskan with a 100% win record after they overcame IFK Goteborg 2-0 at the Olympia.

Mattias Lindstrom opened the scoring after 29 minutes which set the tone for Helsingborgs. Eight minutes later Helsingborgs were 2-0 up thanks to Marcus Nilsson. That goal was a killer blow for IFK Goteborg as they failed to recover.

IFK already have ground to make up themselves and as for Helsingborgs? they are setting the pace at the moment.

GAIS 3-1 AIK 29th March 2010

GAIS continued to add to AIK's miserable start to the season as they rounded off a 3-1 victory. The 1st half was scoreless until two minutes from the break when Joel Johansson finished off Wanderson's assist.

52 minutes in AIK were level thanks to Walid Atta's cool finish but back came GAIS with a 2nd on 59 minutes thanks to Johansson again. The champions were looking like anything but as GAIS made it 3-1 on 66 minutes when Bjorn Andersson scored.

AIK still without a win this season and are starting to fall way behind in the title race. GAIS a good victory for them.

Halmstads 4-0 Atvidabergs 28th March 2010

The perfect response for Halmstads. On the wrong end of a 6-0 thumping last week away to Elfsborg, the Orjans Vall outfit hit four past newly promoted Atvidabergs. It took only seven minutes for Halmstads to break the resistance of Atvidabergs as Anel Raskaj raced onto his first of the season.

It wasn't until two minutes into the 2nd half that they got another when Emil Salomonsson nodded in for 2-0. Alexander Prent made it a safe 3-0 with eight minutes left and the scoring was completed in stoppage time as Johnny Lundberg got himself in on scoring.

Atvidabergs soundly beaten while Halmstads can now push on after this good display.

Gefle 1-3 Malmo 28th March 2010

Malmo are looking good so far this season. After a convincing win over Orebro last week they made the long-trip north to Gavle and got all three points.

Robert Ahman-Persson gave the southern club the lead after 11 minutes, that Robert's first goal in quiet sometime. After the break Robert got his 2nd goal on 58 minutes and the victory was assured on 62 minutes thanks to the impressive Daniel Andersson.

Gefle pulled a goal back for their fans to cheer on 78 minutes with Alexander Gerndt. The win moves Malmo up to the European places.

Kalmar 2-2 Elfsborg 27th March 2010

Kalmar returned to home action on Saturday and earned a hard-fought points against an Elfsborg side that continue to score for fun.

It was the visitors on the back-foot however after four minutes when Ricardo Santos pounced. That set-back sprung Elfsborg into life and they were level 12 minutes later thanks to Daniel Mobaeck. Two minutes before the break Daniel Nordmark put the Boras club in front.

Kalmar desperately wanted a result after their 3-0 defeat at home to IFK Goteborg and they had chances to level throughout the second half.

With time running out Ricardo Santos found an equalizer that stunned Elfsborg. Afterward Daniel Sobralense somehow had time to get himeslf sent-off for two yellow cards.

Round 2 over

Round 2 in the Allsvenskan bought with it a surprise Goteborg derby victor while Helsingborgs and BK Hacken are the only sides left with a 100% win record after two games.

GAIS were soundly beaten by Suprettan champions Mjallby and the other newly promoted side Atvidabergs were unlucky against a stronger Gefle side.

Halmsatds had a day to forget in Boras as Elfsborg ran riot and Djurgarden's plight continues as they suffered another crushing defeat.

Looking ahead to round 3 we have some good games with Helsingborgs hosting IFK Goteborg and we also have a Stockholm derby on Wednesday with Djurgarden hosting IF Brommapojkarna. Orebro host Mjallby and rampent Elfsborg go to Kalmar.

Malmo 3-0 Orebro 22nd March 2010

Orebro were thumped 3-0 by a confident looking Malmo side. Orebro were on the back of a 2-0 victory in round 1 but were powerless to stop Malmo and Agon Mehmeti.

Mehmeti opened the scoring on 21 minutes to give Malmo the lead. The Malmo starlet of Kosovar descent then got his 2nd of the game six minutes later which killed off Orebro.

69 minutes in Guillermo Mollins made it a safe 3-0 and the result was guaranteed. Orebro need to work on their away form if they have European-ambitions this season.

Elfsborg 6-0 Halmstads 22nd March 2010

After last weekend's 0-0 shutout against Gefle, Elfsborg hit Halmstads for six in their opening home game of the season. The party at the Boras Arena was started on 13 minutes when Johan Larsson found space and the net and it 2-0 after 28 minutes thanks to Johan Larsson again.

Halmstads were pleased to hear the half-time whistle but Elfsborg came out in the 2nd half with more eye-catching football. James Keene got himself on the scoresheet just before the hour-mark to make it 3-0 before he got his 2nd five minutes later.

Halmstads were blown away and tried to seek a consolation goal but Elfsborg soon made it 5-0 when Fredrik Berglund finished on 87 minutes. In the final minutes Denni Avdic completed a fantastic day for Elfsborg and a 6-0 demolition of Halmstads.

Halmstads the good news for them it their trip to Boras is over for the season.

IFK Göteborg 0-1 BK Häcken 22nd March 2010

The first Goteborg derby of the season ended surprisingly with BK Hacken taking all three points at the Gamla Ullevi. IFK Goteborg, 3-0 winners on the opening day were strong favourites to make it two wins from two against BK Hacken. But to BK Hacken's credit they weren't fazed by their rivals and kept them at bay for the whole game.

BK Hacken had allowed IFK Goteborg to come onto them before on 83 minutes they struck the winner thanks to Brazilian Vinicíus. The win means BK Hacken joint-top of the Allsvenskan after week two.

Atvidabergs 0-1 Gefle 22nd March 2010

Newly-Promoted Atvidabergs were unlucky at home to Gefle on Monday night. A game in truth that could've gone either way ended in the three points going north to Gavle. Just one goal here decided the game and it came on the half-hour thanks to Alexander Gerndt.

Atvidabergs unlucky but need points and fast.

Djurgarden 0-1 Helsingborgs 21st March 2010

Djurgarden suffered another defeat but this time it was Helsingborgs celebrating. The game itself was sprung into life with only two minutes gone when Rasmus Jonsson put the visitors ahead.

The Stockholm giants pursued a goal but they couldn't put their chances away. Helsingborgs had very good football on show but appeared to settle for their 1-0 lead.

In the end the three points go to Helsingborgs and as for Djurgarden, the work starts now.

Trelleborgs 1-1 Kalmar 21st March 2010

Trelleborgs earned a point at home to 2008 champions Kalmar. Kalmar on the back of an opening day 3-0 defeat were desperate to get back on track. It seemed to be going like that when Ricardo Santos put them in front after 21 minutes. Kalmar were looking for more but that crucial 2nd goal didn't come.

The home side rallied on and were awarded when Trelleborgs key man Fredrik Jensen leveled on 64 minutes. It was anyones game after that but the score remained 1-1 and a point each.

Mjallby 3-0 GAIs 21st March 2010

The Suprettan champions showed they mean bussiness with a thumping 3-0 victory in their 1st home game of the season last Sunday.

GAIS were no pushovers but we made to pay for underestimating Mjallby. Marcus Ekenberg gave the newly-promoted side the lead ten minutes before the interval. 52 minutes in and Mjallby were 2-0 up courtesy of Ekenberg again. With GAIS chasing the game they suffered a major set-back when Fredrik Lundgren was sent-off for his 2nd yellow of the game and Ekenberg completed his hat-trick as a result on 71 minutes.

IF Brommapojkarna 0-0 AIK 20th March 2010

AIK were made to do with another very disappointing draw this time "away" to IF Brommapojkarna. The game played at AIK home Rasunda due to it being a Stockholm derby and all meant AIK were at home for this game.

The game really opened up when former Hammarby favourite Sebastian Egurén was sent-off with eight minutes left. Kenny Pavey joined his new teammate in the dressing room early when he was sent-off barely four minutes later.

A great result for IF Brommapojkarna but AIK still winless after two games.

Paulinho is back

Paulinho Guará is back in Swedish football. The Brazilian has returned to the Allsvenskan on loan from South Koreans Busan I'Park. The Brazilian previously played for Orgryte and Hammarby and was a big star during his previous spell in Sweden.

Paulinho has joined Orebro on loan and is a fantastic signing for the club as they look to improve on last years position of 7th.

Round 1 done and dusted

Round 1 has ended with a few goals here and there. There were four 0-0 draws around the grounds and a total of just nine goals over the eight games. Not a great start in terms of goals but with the whole season ahead more will arrive. Reuben Ayarna and Kristoffer Nordfeldt were both sent off becoming the first players to be sent-off in 2010.

IFK Goteborg looked impressive away to Kalmar on Saturday while AIK looked edgy against Mjallby as did Elfsborg. BK Hacken, Helsingborgs and Orebro all won while Malmo and GAIS shared the spoils in Goteborg.

All this means IFK Goteborg lead the way with three points but only on goal difference from Orebro, BK Hacken and Helsingborgs. Kalmar bottom but hopefully not for long.

This coming weekend we have some good games. A Stockholm derby between IF Brommapojkarna and AIK, a Goteborg derby with IFK and BK Hacken going head to head and next Monday, Malmo host Orebro in what should be a cracker at the Swedbank Arena.

Gefle 0-0 Elfsborg 15th March 2010

The final game of the round was this game. Both sides pushed but neither defense was in any mood to give anything away. Elfsborg will be disappointed slightly because of wasted chances which could be the same for Gefle.

Amadou Jawo returned to his old club for the first time since leaving last July and although he had chances it was a point for each. Gefle will take a point and will aim to push on in a game that saw Haruna Shabni make his debut.

Orebro 2-0 Atvidabergs 15th March 2010

A winning start for Orebro as they exposed Atvidabergs. Atvidabergs won't be too downhearted as it is still early days and the fact that the Behrn Arena is one of the more difficult grounds to get a result in the league.

Marcus Astvald put the hosts in front on 31 minutes before Danish giant Kim Olsen got his scoring under way six minutes before the break.

GAIS 0-0 Malmo 15th March 2010

Not the best result for either side but positives must by taken out of this game. Malmo had chances to win but a more sharp performance will deliver the goods.

Malmo will be more angry by the fact that GAIS played the final nine minutes with 10-men after Reuben Ayarna was sent-off.

AIK 0-0 Mjallby 14th March 2009

A surprising result at the Rasunda as reigning champions AIK were held to a 0-0 draw by Allsvenskan newcomers Mjallby. AIK were favourites to overcome the challenge that Mjallby might pose but Mjallby played well to keep out their opponents in freezing conditions in the capital. Already AIK have lost ground on IFK Goteborg, who lead after yesterday's 3-0 thumping of Kalmar which means AIK are two points behind after just 1 game. It is early days though. Mjallby a very good point earned today.

AIK: Tomi Maanoja (g.k): Kenny Pavey, Per Karlsson, Walid Atta, Nils-Eric Johansson, Martin Kayongo-Mutumba, Jorge Ortíz, Daniel Tjernstrom (C), Bojan Djordjic, Antonio Flávio, Sebastien Eguren Subs: Kenny Stamatopoulos (g.k), Niklas Backman, Miran Burgic, Martin Lorentzson, Daniel Gustafsson, Pontus Engbloom, Viktor Lundberg

Mjallby: Mattias Asper (g.k): Jesper Westerberg, Juan Robledo, Patrik Rosengren, Robin Cederberg, Daniel Nilsson, Patrick Osiako, Tobias Grahn, Johan Svensson, Mostapha El-Kabir, Marcus Ekenberg (C) subs: Simon Svensson (g.k), Daniel Ivanovski, William Leandersson, Adam Berner, David Lofquist, Emanuel Svensson

Venue: Rasunda

Time: 14:30

Halmstads 0-0 Trelleborgs 14th March 2010

Both sides kept each other at bay at the Orjans Vall. This was a game that either side could've won but neither looked like they wanted the three points. An ok start for both sides to the new campaign but will want to have points on the board after five games. Trelleborgs, though seem a good bet for a surprise this year.

BK Hacken 2-1 Djurgarden 14th March 2010

The result BK Hacken wanted. A narrow victory over a Djurgarden side that continued their poor run of Allsvenskan matches. It was Paulinho who opened the scoring for the Goteborg side after 21 minutes of play.

Djurgarden hit-back ten minutes into the 2nd half thanks to a fine finish from new signing Kennedy Igboananike. The Nigerian with his first goal for Djurgarden. BK Hacken responded by re-taking the lead this time it was Mattias Ostberg scoring just after the hour-mark.

The victory went to the home side and next week they face a Goteborg derby against IFK. Djurgarden meanwhile are at home to Helsingborgs and will definitely need an improved showing if they are to register the points early.

Helsingborgs 1-0 IF Brommapojkarna 14th March 2010

A last-minute goal from Mattias Lindstrom rescued the three points for Helsingborgs at home to IF Brommapojkarna. The result means Helsingborgs are off to a winning start and although this wasn't terribly convincing it is three points on the board.

IF Brommapojkarna can count themselves unlucky to lose where a point probably was a fair result.

Kalmar 0-3 IFK Goteborg 13th March 2010

The start that IFK Goteborg were looking for. The runners-up last year set about their intentions of winning that title in October by comfortably dispatching a surprisingly below-par Kalmar side.

The away side were ahead within the half-hour with 2009's joint top-scorer Tobias Hysén getting off the mark.

Five minuets into the 2nd period Hysén got his 2nd as IFK took control of the game. Kalmar had few chances and were hit with a killer 3rd on 67 minuets when Hjalmar Jonsson slotted past Petter Wasta. The Icelandic may become a vital player this year for the Goteborg giants.

A fantastic start for IFK but Kalmar will definitely need to improve if they are to come close of emulating the 2008 title win.

Kalmar: Petter Wasta (g.k): Emin Nouri, Tobias Carlsson, Paulus Arajuuri, Stefan Larsson, Tobias Eriksson, Henrik Rydstrom (C), Erik Israelsson, Daniel Sobralense, Ricardo Santos, Abiola Dauda subs: Etrit Berisha (g.k), Marcus Lindberg, Daryl Smylie, Jimmie Augustsson, Stefan Alander, Jael Ferreira, Mattias Johansson

IFK Goteborg: Kim Christensen (g.k): Erik Lund, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Karl Svensson, Hjalmar Jonsson, Stefan Selakovic (C), Gustav Svensson, Alexander Faltsetas, Theodór Bjarnsson, Par Eriksson, Tobias Hysén subs: Marcus Sandberg (g.k), Tuomo Turunen, Thomas Olsson, Jakob Johansson, Tobias Sana, Sebastian Eriksson, William Atashadeh

Venue: Fredriksskans

Time: 16:00

It's Back

Finally it's here the new season begins today with Kalmar hosting IFK Goteborg. This is a tough looking game for IFK to start with as they look to banish the pain of 2009.

Elsewhere in Round 1.

Sunday afternoon sees Helsingborgs begin with a home game against IF Brommapojkarna in a game that I see Helsingborgs winning.

2009 surprise package BK Hacken host 2009 flops Djurgarden in a game that may have goals about it. BK Haken to win though.

Halmstads will look to a bright 2010 with a home game against Trelleborgs. Draw in this game but Trelleborgs I feel may be a surprise package this year.

Finally on Sunday champions AIK host Suprettan champions Mjallby at the Rasunda. Simply going one way this game and that's an AIK victory by 3-0 I think. Mjallby seem to be in for a difficult season.

Monday hosts the final three games of the round. Gefle host Elfsborg in a fascinating game in Gavle. Gefle will be out to make 2010 their year while Elfsborg will hopefully be chasing the title.

Orebro host newly promoted Atvidabergs at the Behrn Arena. 2010 may have some surprises for Orebro while Atvidabergs will definetly be battling against the drop.

Finally GAIS host Malmo a game that may go either way. Malmo after two lean years may finally chase Europe and maybe higher but for GAIS beating the drop will be a success.

One week to go!

Allsvenskan 2010 is just a week away. Having seen one of the closest title races in 2009 can we expect more of the same this year? the answer may very well be yes. Many sides are looking good among these are Elfsborg, IFK Goteborg, Kalmar, AIK? and maybe Helsingborgs.

Predictions:

My predictions were well off last year as I predicted Elfsborg to win the title. But I am going to stick with Elfsborg for this year because I still beleive they have the strongest squad in the league. Yes IFK Goteborg have good players and were unlucky in 2009 but Elfsborg have had this squad for years now and it's about time they add a title to the 2007 success.

Europe:

Obviously the race for Europe will be tight. BK Hacken were desperatly unlucky not to snatch a Europa League place from Kalmar but they have a bit of experience now and could challenge. Malmo will be stronger this year. They lacked consistency last year despite that late season push. Helsingborgs will definetly be back in the mix and Orebro might cause a shock or two. Gefle may also challenge having made some good signings during the winter.

Relegation:

Relegation has been tight in recent years but having lost Hammarby in 2009 the scrap could involve another big name. Djurgarden I think will be safe this year and may not be involved at all. IF Brommapojkarna will be in trouble but they will be joined by Mjallby and Atvidabergs in the fight. GAIS may also be dragged into the frame again.

So there it is my predictions. Last year I was pathetic at my predictions but I have a feeling I have success this year. Elfsborg for the title. Mjallby, Atvidabergs to go back down and IF Brommapojkarna to go into the play-off.

Wales 0-1 Sweden

Sweden prepared for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a win over Wales in Swansea on Wednesday night.

The game was played in front of just 8,000 fans but those fans got to see a top quality strike from struggling Bolton striker Johan Elmander. Since his switch to England in 2008, Elmander has struggled for top form but this strike showed his class.

Salzburg goalkeeper Eddie Gustafsson played well having been part of the Salzburg side that exited the Europa League last week.

Erik Hamrén still knows work is needed if the Swedes are to book a place in Poland and Ukraine this time two years.