Superettan Round 1

The superettan kicked off last weekend and there were a few eye catching results around the grounds. The main focus was properly on Assyriska hosting Hammarby. Two sides that surely will be challenging for promotion to the Allsvenskan next year. Hammarby though went down 1-0 and to a player who formally plied his trade with their fierce rivals Djurgarden. Jonas Kusi-Asare getting the vital goal that gave Assyriska the points. Elsewhere there was an interesting fixture between Osters and GIF Sundsvall. Sundsvall, another side that are expected to be among the challengers for promotion going down 2-1 to Osters. Osters themselves could be a dark horse after surviving last season following promotion of Division 1 sodra. Newly relegated IF Brommapojkarna were held at home to Jonkoping Sodra despite going ahead and may face an uphill battle to get promoted on that showing. J-Sodra themselves may be in for a good season with results like that. Degerfors spoiled Qviding's return to the 2nd tier with a hard-fought 1-0 win while Falkenbergs were 1-0 winners over Ljungskile, both sides look unliekly to launch a promotion bid but could be awkward opponents. Angelholm were 4-1 winners over IK Brage and they could be a dark horse, Angelholm. Landskrona will be an outside bet for promotion and will disappointed with their 1-1 draw at home to newly promoted Varnamo. Vasteras are also back in the 2nd tier and the city will be disappointed their first game back ended in a 2-0 defeat to Atvidabergs who could surprise this year. Angelhoms' victory over IK Brage http://eurorivals.net/brage:angelholms-highlights-goals-video_20110413.html Osters' 2-1 win over GIF Sundsvall http://eurorivals.net/osters-if:sundsvall-highlights-goals-video_20110411.html

Kalmar 3-2 Djurgarden April 11th 2011

A good game at the new Guldfageln Arena as Kalmar recorded their first win of the season in their debut at their new home. However they went behind to a Joona Toivio strike on 22 minutes. That strike though srpung Kalmar into life and were level on 29 minutes when Kristoffer Fagercrantz scored. Fagercrantz, signed from Jonkoping Sodra getting his first league goal of Kalmar. Brazilian falir was involved for Kalmar's second as Daniel Sobralense gave Kalmar the lead on 59 minutes. Ricardo Santos, another former Jonkoping Sodra player made it 3-1 on 83 minutes which put the result beyond doubt it appeared. That said Djurgarden struck with two minutes remaining when Carl Bjork made it 3-2. Kalmar held on for victory. Djurgarden still waiting for their first win of the season. http://eurorivals.net/kalmar-ff:djurgarden-highlights-goals-video_20110411.html

Malmo 3-1 Halmstad April 11th 2011

Champions Malmo showed grit and belief as they came from behind to beat Halmstad 3-1. Malmo went behind to a Jonas Saevarsson header which silenced the Swedbank Arena. However Malmo these days are made of stern stuff and just shy of the hour the sky blues were level when Agon Mehmeti struck. The draw would not have suited Malmo as potential title challengers Helsingborgs and Orebro both led the way with maximum records at the start of play. Jeffery Aubynn put the hosts ahead just three minutes later and a shocked Halmstads went 3-1 down when Miljan Mutavdzic finished past Nauzet González. Halmstads with an Iberian feel couldn't get a second goal to unsettle their hosts who now move top of the table on goal difference from both Helsingborgs and Orebro. http://eurorivals.net/malmo:halmstads-bk-highlights-goals-video_20110412.html

Bk Hacken 3-1 IFK Goteborg April 10th 2011

BK Hacken took the spoils in the Goteborg derby as they bamboozled IFK. Things though were not plain sailing in the 1st half as it was IFK who struck first through poacher Tobias Hysén. The second period though did change for BK Hacken and for the better. Within four minutes they were level when Jonas Bjurstrom struck the net. René Makondélé, enjoying a good start to the season put the hosts ahead just six minutes later. The third goal for Hacken which killed IFK off it appeared came from the wise head of Mathias Ranégie. Ranégie who finished with twelve goals last term is off and running in this. Hacken in 7th while IFK in the relegation play-off spot with no points so far after two games.

Helsingborgs 1-0 Elfsborg April 10th 2011

A though test early on for Helsingborgs as they aim high for the title this season but they did get through this test albeit narrowly and with some luck. The only goal of the game came from Anton Lans' unfortunate own goal on 64 minutes which gave Helsingborgs the three points to climb top a position they no doubt want to hold onto. Elfsborg though are in 8th.

AIK 3-0 Mjallby April 10th 2011

AIK made it three points count as they shocked Mjallby 3-0 at the Rasunda. The visitors though did keep AIK quiet right up until 41 minutes when Viktor Lundberg pounced to beat Mattias Asper. AIK struck barely seconds later when Ibrahim Bangura made it 2-0 at half-time. The second half continued with AIK fashioning chances before they took one more to end the gaem as a contest as Bangura got his second of the afternoon on 62 minutes. Mjallby head back south with nothing and a second loss in two games. AIK meanwhile are up to 3rd with four points from six.

GAIS 4-0 Trelleborgs April 9th 2011

Having gone down 2-0 away to Norrkoping last week, GAIS were determined to kick-start their campaign with a good victory in front of their own fans at the Gamla Ullevi. Victory was what they got but they got it in some style. Having re-signed Brazilian Wanderson do Carmo from Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, GAIS were to be unstoppable yesterday. Wanderson simply ran the show. He found fellow Brazilian Álvaro Santos on the quarter hour which Santos stroked past Viktor Norling. Forteen minutes later Álvaro Santos was on target again as Wanderson teed him up to fire past Norling, who was to be in for a busy day. Czech Mervan Celik made it three thanks to the in-from Brazilian playmaker before Wanderson himself rounded off a perfect day with a fully deserved goal in added time. With Wanderson in this form GAIS could cause problems for many teams in the league. http://eurorivals.net/gais:trelleborgs-ff-highlights-goals-video_20110410.html

Gefle 2-0 IFK Norrkoping April 9th 2011

Gefle made home advantage count as they put newly promoted IFK Norrkoping to the sword at the Stromvallen. It took the Gavle side just 11 minutes to find their range as Daniel Theorin scored his first of the season. IFK though are a looking like a side that could well make a surprise or two happen this year and had a number of chances with Astrit Ajdarevic particulary impressive at times. However Gefle managed to hold out and got a 2nd goal with just two minutes remainign as Hans Berggren came off the bench to score and give Gefle the three points. IFK suffer their first defeate of the season. http://eurorivals.net/gefle:norrkoping-highlights-goals-video_20110410.html

Superettan kick's off this weekend

The Superettan kick's-off this weekend as we have two games today. Allsvenskan drops outs IF Brommapojkarna host Jonkoping Sodra wile Osters host GIF Sundsvall. IF Brommpojkarna will be aiming high and a return to the top flight for 2012 while J-Sodra will be looking to stay well clear of the relegation scrap and possibly a shot of the promotion places. Osters managed to stay up last season and will be looking for more of the same while GIF Sundsvall missed out on promotion to the Allsvenskan in the play-offs and will be going for the automatic promotion places.

Sunday has two games taking place with newly promoted Qviding hosting Degerfors while Falkenberg go to Ljungskile.

Monday has the remaining four games as Vasteras host Atvidabergs, IFK Varnamo go to Landskrona BoIS, IK Brage welcome Angelholm and the pick of the games is Assyriska hosting Hammarby.

Hammarby will needless to say be going for the title as they look to return to the top flight after missing out on the promotion party in 2010. Assyriska, beaten to a place in the Allsvenskan in 2009 by Djurgarden will be among the names in the automatic promotion picture while Henrik Larsson's Landskrona BoIS cannot be underestimated.

Orebro 1-0 Syrianska April 8th 2011

Orebro moved top of the table after victory over Syrianska at the Behrn Arena last night. The newly promoted side though did hold Orebro out for just over an hour. The only goal of the game came on 61 minutes when Alejandro Bedoya pounced on some loose defending by the visitors to volley past Dwayne Miller. The result though means Orebro go top for the time being while Syrianska are 11th but that position will change over the course of the weekend. http://eurorivals.net/orebro:syrianska-highlights-goals-video_20110409.html

Djurgarden 0-0 AIK April 4th 2011

The big derby on the opening weekend was rather dull as both sides seemed content to hold out for a share of the spoils. The game featured just one yellow card which was given to Kebba Ceesay from referee Jonas Eriksson. Both sides also featured new coaches as Lennart Wass of Djurgarden and Andreas Alm of AIK get used to the demands of the big Stockholm clubs. Englishman Kenny Pavey was only on named on the bench as Alm looked to youth rather than experience but the point will suit AIK but Djurgarden need to attack more at home if they are to challeneg for the European places and maybe the title.

Elfsborg 2-1 BK Hacken April 4th 2011

Elfsborg got off to a good start to the season with a good but not totally convincing victory over BK Hacken. It wasn't a great start for the hosts as their guests from Goteborg as former Helsingborgs marksman René Makondélé hit Hacken in front. Johan Larsson, the find of last season arguably got Elfsborg back to level pegging just after 22 minutes. Featuring ten Swedes in their starting XI it was the big Dane of Jesper Christansen who kept Elfbsorg in the game after BK Hacken enjoyed a productive spell. Lasse Nilsson, back in Boras hit the winner in added time which gave Elfsborg three points and condemned BK Hakcen to defeat. http://eurorivals.net/elfsborg:bk-hacken-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

IFK Goteborg 0-1 Orebro April 4th 2011

A tense and tight game at the Nya Gamla Ullevi but it was the visiting Orebro who took the three points. Both sides will be looking for a big season with Orebro facing the prospect of Europa league football in a few months. IFK featured a young line-up as did Orebro, but it was Orebro who featured a new-look side. New signings such as Albanians, Valdet Rama and Kushtrim Lushtaku settled well but it was another new signing who won the game for Orebro. Recruited from Assyriska, Andreas Haddad showed his poachers instinct with a nice half-volley that flew past Marcus Sandberg. http://eurorivals.net/ifk-goteborg:orebro-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

Mjallby 0-1 Helsingborgs April 3rd 2011

Super cup winners Helsingborgs got off to a good start as they beat last seasons' surprise package Mjallby at the Strandvallen. However just a crowd of 519 witnessed Helsingborgs' narrow but effective victory. Erik Sundin scored the winner, and putting in his name for a regular starting berth on 41 minutes. Sundin will be competing with Alexander Gerndt and Rasmus Jonsson for a spot up front in the 4-4-2 system that Conny Karlsson prefers. Mjallby bought on Mostapha El-Kabir in the second half as he wasn't fit enough for the bench but showed some threat but should be back to full firing strenght in a few games. http://eurorivals.net/mjallby-aif:helsingborgs-if-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

Syrianska 1-1 Gefle April 3rd 2011

A fast start wasn't enough to bring the three points to the newly promoted Syrianska but a positive approch will please manager Valeri Bondarenko. Nigerian hitman Peter Ijeh gave Syrianska the lead after just four minutes. Gefle, who stayed up via the play-off last season tried to get back on level terms since that opener. Their patience paid off just shy of the hour when Jakob Orlov finished a good move. Orlov, who had an impressive 2010 will be closely watched this campaign. 1-1 was how it ended but the positives were that they got a point and now the newly promoted side will head to Orebro next week looking to build on this result. Gefle host the other promoted side IFK Norrkoping next week. http://eurorivals.net/syrianska:gefle-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

Trelleborgs 2-4 Malmo April 3rd 2011

Champions Malmo got off to an emphatic start as they overcame local rivals Trelleborgs 4-2. Malmo playing with confidence were 2-0 up within 25 minutes with goals from Wílton Figueiredo and the impressive Daniel Larsson. Trelleborgs were back in the game on the half hour though as Magnus Andersson bundled the ball from six yards. Malmo though kept pressing for the third goal and were awarded seven minutes into the second half when Daniel Larsson dispatched a penalty past Fredrik Persson. Showing the style of champions, Malmo made it 4-1 just four minutes later when Agon Mehmeti opened his accoutn for the season. Kristian Haynes struck just past the hour to lessen the deficit but it is Malmo who get their 2011 campaign off to a winning start. http://eurorivals.net/trelleborgs-ff:malmo-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

IFK Norrkoping 2-0 GAIS 3rd April 2011

Playing in the top flight for thr first time in three years, IFK overcame any nerves with a performance that showed anything but nerves. Featuring just four players in the starting line-up from their last Allsvenskan game (a 5-2 win over Hammarby) this side was very much a new team. GAIS on the other hand looked slightly out of sorts with a few chances coming and going. In truth neither side looked like taking anything out of this game until on the hour when Imad Khalili struck. On a wet day in Norrkoping it took just seven minutes for IFK to double that lead when Shpetim Hasani converted a penalty. A good three points for IFK while GAIS slip to bottom place. http://eurorivals.net/norrkoping:gais-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

Halmstads 0-0 Kalmar April 2nd 2011

Not the start a new-look Halmstads wanted as they were shout out by a resilient Kalmar side. The draw in truth was always on the cards as Kalmar went to the Orjans Vall looking to hold out for a draw. The pressure was on Halmstads to get a good result and although they came close on ocasions they didn't look sharp enough. Being the first game of the season Josep Ruíz will be looking for a more sharp performance when they go to Malmo next week. Kalmar will be happy with a point and are at home to Djurgarden next week. http://eurorivals.net/halmstads-bk:kalmar-ff-highlights-goals-video_20110405.html

Round 1 begins tomorrow

The league is back to normal tomorrow as the 2011 campaign gets under way. Just one game takes place tomorrow which sees Halmstad host Kalmar. The bulk of the games take place on Sunday where champions Malmo go to local rivals Trelleborgs while Super cup champions Helsingborgs visit Mjallby. Monday night has a cracker to look forward too as the first Stockholm derby takes place with AIK going to Djurgarden while Orebro visit IFK and Elfsborg host BK Hacken. Saturday: Halmstads v Kalmar Sunday: IFK Norrkoping v GAIS, Trelleborgs v Malmo, Syrianska v Gefle Mjallby v Helsingborgs Monday: IFK Goteborg v Orebro, Elfsborg v BK Hacken, Djurgarden v AIK

Malmo 1-2 Helsingborgs 19th March 2011 Super Cupen

Helsingborgs took revenge at the Swedbank arena on Saturday as they ended up adding the Super Cupen to their collection. Having won the Svenska Cupen last season, Helsingborgs also missed out on the title to their opponents here but took some revenage with a good victory. They were ahead barely two minutes into this contest as Marcus Nilsson nodded them ahead. Malmo though showed promise and were back level through Brazilian Wilton Figueiredo just after the quarter-hour mark. The game swung in spells after that with a couple of half-chances falling to both sides. Jeffery Aubynn was shown red with eight minutes remaining which gave Helsingborgs the numerical advantage which they would capitalise on not long afterwards. Erik Sundin so impressive last season picked up hero status on the day when his last minute goal gave Helsingborgs the victory and the Super Cupen. A perfect start to 2011 for Helsingborgs as they look to go one better in the league this season.

Newly Promoted clubs

The 2011 Allsvenskan welcomes IFK Norrkoping and Syrianska and both will be looking at the example of Mjallby last year. Mjallby defied all the odds really to survive in the though league that was present last year.

IFK Norrkoping:
Of the two IFK with doubt have the more experience and have spent big and well this winter. When you look at what happened the last time IFK were in the Allsvenskan they didn't have a good start. They were bottom for virtually the whole season. That was just three years ago and alot has changed since then with IFK rebuilding in the Superettan.
One possible flaw with this team is the fact that they didn't go up as champions. IFK were leading the Superettan for most of last season until a late season slip in form which saw Syrianska pip them to the title. However of the two sides I do think that IFK have the better chance of staying up provided they get off to a good start.

Syrianska:
Went up as champions and some good signings but no real stand out quality. New coach Valeri Bondarenko will have a though job this year no matter what. Their hopes this year will rest on Nigerian Peter Ijeh's shoulders as he was impressive last season for the Syriacs. Omar Jawo is a good signing as is David Durmaz.
I can see a relegation flight and possibly relegation itself but a good start just like IFK is needed if they are to have hopes of being in the top flight in 2012.

Paulinho Guará back at Hammarby

Paulinho Guará is back at Bajen after signing this week. The club where the Brazilian flourished are looking good for a promotion season this year.

Paulinho who played with Orebro last season was released by South Korean club Busan I'Park and Hammarby pounced quickly.

Paulinho left Bajen in 2008 when Hammarby were looking good for the title but fell out of form after he left and after a disappointing spell in South Korea he is hoping to fire Hammarby back into the Allsvenskan.

Paulinho has signed a one-year deal.

Signings a plenty as Allsvenskan draws closer

AIK:
AIK have been going through change again this winter. Alex Miller has departed as manager after preserving the club's top flight status. A host of players have also been shown the door by the hierarchy. Players leaving include Saihou Jagne (IF Brommapojkarna), Dulee Johnson (released), Nicklas Bergh (released), Tomi Maanoja (FC Honka) and Goran Ljubojevic (released).
AIK have bought in new blood too with Sierra Leon striker Tateh Bangura (Koping), Alexander Milosevic and Martin Mutumba has returned from Videoton in Hungary.

Djurgardens:
It's been busy at Djurgarden after another below-par season. Joel Riddez returns from Stromgodset while Patrick Haginge leaves for Orebro. MArtin Andersson, Sharbel Touma and Luís Rodríguez all leave the club.

Elfsborg:
Changes a plenty at the Boras club. The major signing was David Elm from Fulham. The former Kalmar star will be interesting to watch this season after an unhappy spell in London. Lasse Nilsson returns from Vitesse and Andreas Augustsson signs from Horsens.
Alot of players have left Elfsborg but the biggest departure is Denni Avdic to Werder Bremen. Avdic was top scorer last season and will be missed. Mathias Florén has gone to Norrkoping and Teddy Lucic and Fredrik Berglund have retired.

GAIS:
GAIS have been quietly assembling a good squad and after some impressive signings could be in for a good season. Eric Bassombeng signs from Orebro while Álvaro Santos has signed on loan from rivals Orgryte.

Gefle:
Par Asp has signed to replace the departing Omar Jawo to Syrianska while Gefle have released the duo of Oyvind Gram and Daniel Westlin.

IFK Goteborg:
Underperformed badly last season IFK have signed Trelleborg's Andreas Drugge for goals while Nicklas Carlsson has moved on to IF Brommapojkarna.

Halmstads:
A flurry of Spanish signings have given Halmstads an Iberian look this year. No fewer than five Spaniards have signed with three loan signings from Real Madrid B (Raúl, Javi Hernández and José Zamora) with Iván Díaz (Legranes) and goalkeeper Nauzet Pérez (Ceuta) completing the quintet.
Heading out are Per Johansson, Alexander Prent and Tommy Jonsson while Emir Kujovic has gone to Kayserispor and Anselmo going back to Brazil.

Helsingborgs:
Not surprisingly Helsingborgs havn't made a rush of signings after last year's impressive campaign. Joel Ekstrand has departed to Udinese while MArcus Lantz has been released but Daniel Andersson, signed from Angelholm in the only new signing.

BK Hacken:
Dioh Williams signed from AGF Arhus is a good signing while Tibor Joza and Bjorn Anklev are solid signings. Johan Lind has retired and Erik Friberg has gone to the MLS with Seattle Sounders.

Kalmar:
The signing of Kristoffer agercrantz is impressive while let seven players leave during the winter so far.

Malmo:
No new signings from the champions but Rick Kruys has gone back to Holland on loan to Volendam.

Mjallby:
Surprise package last season have signed Pavel Zavadil and Samuel Petrone. No major departures.

IF Norrkoping:
Really busy this winter with some really impressive signings such as Astrit Ajdarevic, Mathias Florén and Bobbie Friberg de Cruz. A number of players from last season have not been retained.

Syrianska:
Mainly defensive signings with Omar Jawo and David Durmaz but still impressive.

Trelleborgs:
Andreas Drugge is a big loss but Trelleborgs have four new signings to help with Andreas Grahm replacing Drugge.

Orebro:
Some key departures such as Ajdarevic but new signings llok good with Valdet Rama particularly impressive.

Avidc departs

Elfsborg have sold star striker Denni Avdic to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Avdic who finished joint top scorer in the Allsvenskan last season was hot property. Werder though were quick to seal his signature as Hugo Almeida departed Bremen for Besiktas.
Avdic won't however be playing European football for the remainder of the season as Bremen failed to qualify for the Europa League via the champions league group stages last month.