World Cup Qualifiers next weekend

Sweden face a crucial month of qualifiers with trips to Hungary and Malta on the agenda. A full preview on Wednesday will follow the Swedish national side as they look to beat the odds and grab a play-off place for a place in South Africa next summer.

IFK Göteborg 4-0 Elfsborg 30th August 2009

Elfsborg exited the Europa league on Thursday despite beating Lazi but by Sunday they suffered a key defeat in the title race to fellow challengers IFK Goteborg. A goalless first-half was followed by a 2nd half that IFK Goteborg ran riot in. Ten minutes into the 2nd half and IFK were 1-0 up thanks to Hjalmar Jonsson. Hannes Stiller made it 2-0 six minutes later to put IFK Goteborg in the driving seat. Elfsborg had a couple of chances before Stiller got his 2nd of the night on 65 minutes which ended the game as a contest. Tobias Hycén wrapped up a good night's work with a 4th two minutes from time.
IFK into 2nd a point behind AIK with Elfsborg a further point back in 3rd.

Halmstads 0-4 BK Hacken 30th August 2009

Halmstads suffered another big defeat as BK Hacken continued their quest of European football via the league anyway.
Paulo De Oliveira opened the scoring for the visitors on 22 minutes before key man Jonas Henriksson made it 2-0 on 30 minutes. Halmstads had conceded four goals last weekend against Trelleborgs and their night here was going to get worse.
BK Hacken got a third on 39 minutes through Erik Friberg, before Halmstads' Christian Jardler was sent-off for a 2nd bookable offense.
Nine minutes into the 2nd half Jonas Henriksson got his 2nd of the night and BK Hacken's 4th.

Kalmar 3-0 Hammarby 30th August 2009

Rasmus Elm played his final game for Kalmar and helped them overcome Hammarby 3-0. The Sweden star came to a standing ovation when he was replaced by Lasse Johansson in the final minute.
Tobias Ericsson opened the scoring after 32 minutes t set Kalmar on their way. Hammarby went 2-0 behind two minutes later when Daniel Mendes found the net. Tobias Ericsson made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time.

The bussiness end begins!

As August gets ready to pack away for another year we are reaching the bussiness end of the season in Sweden. So far we have seen surprise packages or two and we have seen some big players leave for advanetures abroad but that all goes out the window come the next round of matches in mid-September. September is the 2nd last month of the Allsvenskan, with a relegation fight that sees unfamiliar names and a title race that is one of the most exciting in recent years.

Title Race:
The title race so far has four teams in the running with both BK Hacken and Helsingborgs not out of the race yet. Current champions Kalmar struggled early on but have found form during the summer and another big push is needed. Elfsborg, last year's runners-up have exited the Europa league and can now focus 100% on the title race. IFK Goteborg sold a couple of key players but have stayed in touch while AIK have been re-born this year following years of disappointment.
Both BK Hacken and Helsingborgs are not out of the race either. BK Hacken have been the best surprise package and could end up going into European competition. Helsingborgs are also looking at qualifying for Europe.

European Hopefuls:
There are three teams that only last year were struggling in the relegation dog-fight pusing for Europe. Gefle have been impressive with their home form. Orebro have their home form to thank plus their impressive away form. Trelleborgs, favourites to go down in 2008 are also lurking up there.

No Danger:
Currnetly Malmo look like having an average run to the end of the season. Locked in mid-table the southerners have no real hope of making Europe, barring a fantastic run, nor is relegation in real danger although a couple of more points will be needed.

Relegation Fight:
The relegation dog-fight of 2009 has unfamiliar names with Orgryte, Djurgarden and Hammarby all looking likely to be going down. Orgryte went the 1st half of the season without a win while Djurgarden haven't done much better. Hammarby are struggling to replace the players lost over last winter and summer. GAIS and IF Brommapojkarna are in the mix and Halmstads are on a terrible run and are no involved.

AIK 1-0 Trelleborgs 29th August 2009

AIK went top of the Allsvenskan after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Trelleborgs at the Rasunda. AIK have been grinding out results this season and despite injuries to key players they are pushing for the title than what they were last year. Dulee Johnson, who returned from Maccabi Tel-Aviv in June scored the winner on 64 minutes that secured AIK the win and comdemn Trelleborgs to defeat. But Trelleborgs can count themselves lucky that AIK weren't clinical in their finishing here. AIK top of the pile going into September.

Rasmus Elm departs Kalmar

Kalmar lost influencial midfielder Rasmus Elm on Thursday. Elm, part of the Sweden U-21 side that reached the semi-finals of the Championship in June has signed a 4-year deal with Dutch Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar.
Elm joins former IFK Goteborg midfielder Pontus Wernbloom, who joined back in June. Kalmar currently involved in a thrilling title race are thinking about the possiblity of recalling Northern Ireland national Daryl Smylie from his loan spell with Jonkoping Sodra.
Elm's departure is the 4th major one since July 2008 when César Santín left. Both Patrik Ingelsten and Viktor Elm, Rasmus's brother left also for Holland.
Rasmus Elm joins an increasing number of Swedish player playing in Holland. It was suggested that Elm was attraching interest from Everton and Fulham in the Premier League.

Elfsborg 1-0 Lazio 27th August 2009

Sweden's interest in European competition ended last night when Elfsborg couldn't overcome the 3-0 loss last week. Magnus Haglund's side were always going to face a massive task in overcomming that loss but did record a good win against the Italians Lazio.
Lazio had one foot in the group stage but Elfsborg were looking to at least beat them. Beat them they did thanks to a single goal on 70 minutes from Denni Avdic, to secure a famous win for Elfsborg.
Elfsborg can now consentrate on the Allsvenskan title bid which reaches it climax at the end of October.

Europa League Preview

Elfsborg have a mountain to climb tonight after being on the back-end of a 3-0 defeat to Lazio in Rome last Thursday.
Lazio have a 3-0 lead to defend and could go to to Sweden and hold on. Elfsborg are facing the exit unless they pull a performance that can result in either a 3-0 win to level the tie and force extra-time or a 4-0 win that will see them through.
Magnus Haglund has some options open to him for tonight's game. Key men Emir Bajrami and James Keene will return to first-team action while in-form Stefan Ishizaki may be given a start.
As Sweden's last team in European compeition, Elfsborg will be aiming to at least beat the Italians.

BK Häcken 5-1 IF Brommapojkarna 25th August 2009

BK Häcken's fine 2nd half of the season continues after they hit IF Brommapojkarna for five here at the Rambergsvallen. It took the Göteborg side just five minutes to open the scoring through John Chibuike. Paulo De Oliveira doubled their lead on 34 minutes, which sent them 2-0 up at half-time.
Paulo De Oliveira grabbed his 2nd of the night on 63 minutes. Barely seconds later IF Brommapojkarna pulled one back. Jonas Henriksson has been in fine form this season and he got his goal on 70 minutes to make it 4-1. The win and performance was wrapped up three minutes later with Chibuike getting his 2nd of the night.

BK Häcken: Christoffer Källqvist (g.k): Johan Lind, Mattias Östberg, Tom Söderberg, David Frölund, Josef Karlsson, Erik Friberg, Jonas Henriksson (C), John Chibuike, Paulo De Oliveira, Mathias Ranégie
subs: Damir Mehić (g.k), Janne Saarinen, Vinicius Lopes Souto, Peter Nyström, Marcus Jarlegren

IF Brommapojkarna: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (g.k): Jon Persson (C), Pär Asp, Mikkel Jensen, Kim Odelius, Gabriel Petrovic, Imad Chhadeh, Joakim Runnemo, Philip Haglund, Dalil Benyahia, Olof Guterstam subs: Benny Lekström (g.k), Mauricio Albornoz, Nabil Bahoui, Andreas Eriksson, Ted Fontér

Venue: Rambergsvallen

Time: 19:00 CET

Gefle's change

2009 is proving to be a fantastic season for Gävle's Gefle IF. Such is their fantastic season, Gefle are in the running for a place in the Europa league.
Gefle in the Europa league would be an amazing feat for coach Per Olsson. After all this it is hard to think that Gefle were lucky to stay up last year. Only four points separated Gefle from relegation play-off occupiers Ljungskile, who eventually went down.
Gefle's location in Gavle means they are the furthest team north this year. Gefle have long trips to away games like Malmo, Trelleborgs and Goteborg but that hasn't affected them. Gefle have a strong unit with Hans Berggren leading the front line and Omar Jawo in the heart of defense and the strong Mattias Hugosson in goal.
Amadou Jawo was the midfield general up in Gavle until he left for Elfsborg. An unfancied side at the start of the season, Gefle are showing signs of what can be done in the Allsvenskan. But they aren't alone. Örebro, Trelleborgs and BK Häcken are all punching way above their weight in the Allsvenskan this season while the old-guard of Örgryte, Djurgården and Hammarby struggle. Watch out of Gefle in the closing months of this season.

Gefle 1-0 Hammarby 24th August 2009

Gefle's fantastic season continues and they are now just four points off a Europa League place after this result. Just one goal here decided this clash, which Gefle won last year 3-0. An own goal from Moldovan Igor Armas on 15 minutes was enough to secure the win. Hammarby continue to struggle badly and are in the relegation play-off place.

Gefle: Mattias Hugosson (g.k): Daniel Bernhardsson (C), Daniel Theorin, Omar Jawo, Andreas Dahlén, Jonatan Berg, Yussif Chibsah, Marcus Hansson, Jonas Lantto, Daniel Westlin, Alexander Gerndt subs: Emil Hedvall (g.k), Olof Mård, Johannes Ericsson, Hjalmar Öhagen

Hammarby: Rami Shaaban (g.k): David Johansson, Christian Traoré, Igor Armas, Monday James, Haris Laitinen, Andreas Dahl, Vladico Zlojutro, Sebastian Castro-Tello, Linus Hallenius, Rafael Magalheas subs: Kristoffer Björkland (g.k), José Monteiro, Carlos Gaete, Nathan Paulse, Claudio Da Silva

Venue: Strömvallen

Time: 19:00 CET

Örgryte 1-0 Malmö 24th August 2009

Örgryte got their first home win of the season at the expense of Malmö. The Goteborg side can now look upwards with confidence after Djurgården could only draw today. Just four points seperate Örgryte from 2nd bottom Djurgården and another five from safety.
A single strike from Alessandro Silva was enough for the bottom club to record their long-overdue home win.
Malmö were disappointing despite bringing on both Guillermo Molins and Ago Mehmeti. Malmo stay mid-table.

Örgryte: Bengt Andersson (g.k): Björn Anklev, Robin Jonsson, David Leinar, Roy Miller, Markus Gustafsson, Sebastian Johansson, Pavel Zavadil, Alessandro Silva, Markus Anderberg, Marcus Allbäck (C) subs: Peter Abrahamsson (g.k), Alexander Mellqvist, Nicolas Sandberg, Danny Ervik, Magnus Källander

Malmö: Dusan Melichárek (g.k): Ulrich Vinzents, Jasmin Sudic, Markus Halsti, Ricardo Ferreira, Daniel Larsson, Daniel Andersson (C), Rick Kruys, Jeffery Aubynn, Wilton Figueiredo, Edward Ofere subs: Jonas Sandqvist (g.k), Guillermo Molins, Pontus Jansson, Agon Mehmeti, Jiloan Hamad

Venue: Gamla Ullevi

Time: 19:00 CET

Trelleborgs 4-0 Halmstads 24th August 2009

Halmstads were blown away by Trelleborgs' superb first half performance which saw them take a commanding 3-0 lead into half-time.
Fredrik Jensen put Trelleborgs in the lead with one of the fastest goals of the season before Andreas Drugge made it 2-0 on 23 minutes. Fredrik Jensen got his 2nd of the evening just before the half-hour mark to send the southern side 3-0 up.
Halmstads kept Trelleborgs quiet in the 2nd half half after Andreas Wihlborg made it 4-0 on 65 minutes. Trelleborgs keep up their good season while Halmstads are looking edgy in the bottom half.

Trelleborgs: Viktor Norling (g.k): Dennis Melander (C), Peter Abelsson, Jens Sloth, Mikael Bengtsson, Joakim Nilsson, Kristian Haynes, Magnus Andersson, Andreas Wihlborg, Andreas Drugge, Fredrik Jensen subs: Fredrik Persson (g.k), Joakim Sjöhage, Thommie Persson, Yousef Fakhro, Paulinho Tavares

Halmstads: Magnus Bahne (g.k): Johnny Lundberg, Tomas Zvirgzdauskas, Tommy Jonsson (C), Christian Järdler, Tim Sparv, Mahmat Azrach-Yassine, Michael Görltz, Emir Kujovic, Anel Raskaj, Emil Salmonsson subs: Karl-Johan Johnsson (g.k), Mikael Rosén, Anselmo, Marcus Olsson, Jonas Gudni Saeversson

Venue: Vångvallen

Time: 19:00 CET

Djurgården 0-0 IFK Göteborg 24th August 2009

Djurgården made sure there was going to be no repeat of April's debacle in which the Stockholm side were on the back of a 6-0 trashing at the hands of rivals IFK. IFK Göteborg though will be disappointed as they lost ground in the title race.
A 0-0 draw was how it finished ensuring Djurgarden avoided defeat and get some morale back. Chances were created but unfortunately none were taken.

Djurgården: Pa Dembo Touray (g.k): Petter Gustafsson, Toni Kuivasto, Peter Magnusson, Jan Tauer, Sebastian Rajalakso, Daniel Sjölund (C), Dan Burlin, Hrvoje Milic, Johan Oremo, Mikael Dahlberg
subs: Oskar Wahlström (g.k), Yosif Ayuba, Prince Ipke-Ekong, Christer Youssef, Kebba Ceesay

IFK Göteborg: Kim Christensen (g.k): Erik Lund, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Hjalmar Jonsson, Mikael Dyrestam, Niklas Bärkroth, Gustav Svensson, Thomas Olsson, Sebastian Eriksson (C), Hannes Stiller, Tobias Hycén subs: Markus Sandberg (g.k), Tuomo Turunen, Jakob Johansson, Daniel Alexandersson, Theodor Bjarnason

Venue: Stadion

Time: 19:00 CET

Elfsborg 2-1 Örebro 23rd August 2009

Elfsborg went top of the Allsvenskan after a 2-1 win over Örebro at the Borås Arena. Daniel Mobaeck opened the scoring for the home side after just six minutes. Elfsborg, who were beaten 3-0 by Lazio on Thursday night needed a morale boost here and were on course when James Keene made it 2-0 on 13 minutes. Markus Astvald pulled one back for Örebro on 16 minutes but Elfsborg held on to record a win and go top.

Elfsborg: Ante Covic (g.k): Johan Karlsson, Martin Andersson (C), Teddy Lucic, Mattias Florén, Anders Svensson, Helgi Danielsson, Stefan Ishizaki, Daniel Mobaeck, Daniel Nordmark, James Keene subs: Joakim Wulff (g.k), Denni Avdic, Amadou Jawo, Jesper Florén, Joel Johansson

Örebro: John Alvbåge (g.k): Tommy Wirtanen, Michael Almebäck, Magnus Wikström, Samuel Wowoah, Fredrik Nordback (C), Magnus Kihlberg, Nordin Gerzic, Markus Astvald, Kim Olsen, Roni Porokara subs: Peter Westman (g.k), Per Johansson, Glenn Holgersson, Alejandro Bedoya, Adriano Munoz

Venue: Borås Arena

Time: 19:30 CET

Helsingborgs 0-1 GAIS 23rd August 2009

Helsingborgs suffered a shock 0-1 defeat at home to struggling GAIS. With GAIS struggling near the bottom of the table, this was expected to be a comfortable victory for Helsingborgs. Only one goal was needed and it came after just eight minutes through Eyjólfur Hédinsson. Helsingborgs had Ólafur Skúlason sent-off for a second bookable offense just six minutes later which gave GAIS a numerical advantage. Striker Erik Sundin was also sent-off with seven minutes remaining.

Helsingborgs: Pär Hansson (g.k): Erik Wahlstedt, Marcus Nilsson, Joel Ekstrand, Adama Tamboura, Christoffer Andersson ©, Andreas Lindgren, Ólafur Skúlason, May Mahlangu, René Makondelé, Erik Sundin subs: Daniel Andersson (g.k), Fredrik Svanbäck, Rafael Oliveira, Markus Holgersson, Isaac Chansa

GAIS: Dime Jankulovski (g.k): Jonas Lundén, Fredrik Lundgren ©, Calum Angus, Kenneth Gustafsson, Johan Mårtensson, Eyjólfur Hédinsson, Mattias Lindström, Wanderson do Carmo, Tommy Lycén, Pär Ericsson subs: Magnus Jonsson (g.k), Richard Ekunde, Richard Spong, Romario Pereira, Tobias Holmqvist

Venue: Olympia

Time: 18:00 CET

AIK 1-1 Kalmar 22nd August 2009

Both sides were in good form during the last few weeks and a draw was likely, though it was the home-side who took the lead through big defender Nils-Eric Johansson after just three minutes. Kalmar though have come back from behind in recent weeks and had to wait until 69 minutes for their break-trough, Tobias Ericsson getting himself on the scoresheet.
A draw maybe a fair result but it is another twist in the title race.

AIK: Daniel Örlund (g.k): Markus Jonsson, Per Karlsson, Jos Hooiveld, Nils-Eric Johansson, Kenny Pavey, Dulee Johnson, Daniel Tjernström (C), Martin Kayongo-Mutumba, Antônio Santos, Iván Óbolo subs: Nicklas Bergh (g.k), Walid Atta, Saihou Jagne, Mikael Thornstensson, Yussef Saleh

Kalmar: Petter Wastå (g.k): Emin Nouri, Stefan Ålander, Joachim Lantz, Stefan Larsson, Daniel Sobralense, Henrik Ryström (C), Tobias Eriksson, Reinaldo Zacharias, Ricardo Santos, Daniel Mendes subs: Zlatan Azinovic (g.k), Abiola Dauda, Petter Lennartsson, Erik Israelsson, Lasse Johansson

Venue: Råsunda

Time: 16:00 CET

Lazio 3-0 Elfsborg 20th August 2009

Lazio will be taking a commanding 3-0 lead to Sweden next week after running riot at the Stadio Olmpico.
Elfsborg held out until 24 minutes in when Aleksandar Kolarov found a way past Ante Covic. Elfsborg needed an away goal to increase their chances of going through to the Group stage. Elfsborg were hit a blow when Mauro Zaraté made it 2-0 nine minutes before half-time.
Lazio came out and knew that a 3rd would kill the tie and they had to wait until 69 minutes to get that killer goal. Stefano Mauri popped up to score and give Lazio a real commanding lead to take to Sweden next Thursday.

Europa League Preview

Elfsborg head into tonight's game away to Italian giants Lazio as underdogs. Elfsborg are Sweden's sole survivers left in European competition this year.
Elfsborg deposed Sporting Braga of Portugal in the last round and the visit of Lazio will be a massive test for Magnus Haglund's side.

Lazio Threat:
Lazio have some good players despite what critics say about them. Julio Cruz, a new signing at the Stadio Olmpico from Serie A champions Inter Milan is a big threat up front while fellow Argentinian Mauro Zaraté has become a big star in Serie A since his stint with Brimingham and Qatar SC. Matuzalem, the Brazilian who was signed controversialy from Shakhtar is a tricky player.
In Defence Lazio have Stephan Lichtsteiner, the Swiss defender has bags of experience and will be tough to break through.
Altough this isn't anything but a shadow of the old Lazio of the 1990s and early 2000s this will be a tough game for Elfsborg.

Elfsborg Chances:
Elfsborg will need to keep it tight at the back for the first-leg in Rome tonight. Ante Covic is a good keeper but his defence has leaked a couple of poor goals this season. Johan Karlsson on his day is a brillient defender but tonight is a massive test.
The attcking third could be used tonight to grab an away goal and make things easier next week, Anders Svensson will be feeding Denni Avdic to get that goal while Stefan Ishizaki is in fine form of late with a couple of goals to his name. Recent signing Amadou Jawo will also be looking to get his first European goal for Elfsborg.

Halmstads 1-2 AIK 17th August 2009

Halmstads suffered another defeat as AIK returned to the top of the table with this win. Mikael Rosén gave the hosts a 10th minute lead with a fantastic shot into the top corner which was cancelled out by Iván Óbolo header just two minutes later. AIK are making a good effort this year than last with Ivan Óbolo getting more goals. Nine minutes before the interval it was 2-1 to the Stockholm visitors, Englishman Kenny Pavey finding the net from close range. The game was played during a down-pour which meant alot of water on the pitch which effected some chances afterwards. Anelsmo had a chance to level but the water on the pitch effected his balance. AIK held on to record a good win and move back to the summit while Halmstads move closer to the drop zone.

Örebro 2-0 Djurgården 17th August 2009

Orebro made their excellent home-form count as the ousted struggling Djurgarden 2-0 here. The Behrn Arena has become a bit of a fortress in the last year with just two league defeats since July 2008.
The took an early lead when Kim Olsen was bought down in the area and were awarded a spot kick that was converted by Fredrik Nordback on 4 minutes. John Alvbage had to save from a long-shot Sebastian Rajalakso. Alvabge had save brilliently from Rajalakso again. Djurgarden have had an awful year and had chances to be fair, albeit long range shots. Orebro had to wait until four minutes from time when Per Johansson rounded off a great days' work with a shot into the top corner from Marcus Astvald's low cross. Djurgarden drop into the relegation zone.

Örebro: John Alvbåge (g.k): Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Almebäck, Magnus Wikström, Samuel Wowoah, Fredrik Nordback (C), Magnus Kihlberg, Nordin Gerzic, Eric Bassombeng, Kim Olsen, Roni Porokara subs: Peter Westman (g.k), Per Johansson, Glenn Holgersson, Adriano Munoz, Markus Astvald

Djurgården: Pa Dembo Touray (g.k): Petter Gustafsson, Markus Johansson (C), Toni Kuivasto, Jan Tauer, Kebba Ceesay, Dan Burlin, Mikael Dahlberg, Daniel Sjölund, Sebastian Rajalakso, Johan Oremo subs: Tommi Vaiho (g.k), Patrik Haginge, Prince Ikpe Ekong, Peter Magnusson

Venue: Behrn Arena

Time: 19:00 CET

Malmö 1-2 BK Häcken 17th August 2009

BK Hacken rich vein of form continues as they put Malmo to the sword. BK Hacken are on a roll having made it to the semi-finals of the cup and recorded good wins in difficult places.
Tom Soderberg gave the visitors the lead on 17 minutes in front of the Malmo fans. Ricardo Ferreira levelled on 35 minutes as both sides went into the break level.
BK Hacken retook the lead on 51 minutes through Paulo De Oliveira, who has become a key players among BK Hacken. Malmo rallied on but couldn't finish the chances.

GAIS 1-0 Örgryte 17th August 2009

GAIS collected three vital points as Alexander Axén's men look to avoid the drop. For Orgryte they remain bottom. Orgryte hit the bar early on as they set about getting only their 2nd win all season. A physical game this with a few rash challenges The only goal of the game cam on 53 minutes when Par Ericsson found the net from close range. GAIS continued to have chances to extend their lead but were wasteful. Orgryte had a chance from a corner but headed wide.
Orgryte had chances to level but didn't take them and they remain eleven points off safety.

IF Brommapojkarna 2-2 Trelleborgs 16th August 2009

IF Brommapojkarna moved seven points clear of the play-off place after forcing a draw at home to Trelleborgs. It was the visitors from the South who took the lead on 22 minutes when Andreas Wihlborg slotted past Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Olof Guterstam levelled two minutes before the half-hour mark. Trelleborgs re-took the lead on 42 minutes through key man Andreas Drugge to go into the break 2-1 up.
Trelleborgs were in control until Marcus Pode was sent-off by referee Sven-Martin Akesson and from there it appeared that Brommapojkarna would go get a point. They eventually did when defender Par Asp found the net on 81 minutes to secure a point.

IFK Göteborg 2-2 Helsingborgs 16th August 2009

IFK Goteborg went level at the top with Elfsborg after being held to a draw by visiting Helsingborgs. Helsingborgs made the relatively short trip to Goteborg and forced a point. Helsingborgs were saved when keeper Andersson saved brilliently. IFK were having chances but wasted a defensive gift. Sebastian Eriksson gave the home side the lead on 28 minutes with a glancing header and on the half-hour it was 2-0 when Erik Lund found a gap in the defence and the bottom corner. Two minutes into the 2nd half René Makondelé pulled one back for the visitors when he headed from a shot that rebounded off the bar. Helsingborgs levelled the scores on 77 minutes when Makondelé got his 2nd of the day with a bottom corner shot. Helsingborg had a chance when the IFK defence cleared off the line late on. Helsingborg secured a point.

Kalmar 1-1 Gefle 15th August 2009

Kalmar had to make-do with a point after Gefle came down and made their point. Brazilian Daniel Mendes gave the title holders the lead two minutes before the hour mark. Kalmar have been in good form lately and looked like securing the win until Yannick Bapupa found the net on 77 minutes. Gefle secure another good result and worth their point here.

Hammarby 2-3 Elfsborg 15th August 2009

Hammarby suffered defeat again after Elfsborg moved level on points at the top of the table. Stefan Ishizaki continued his fine run of form of late by opening the scoring on 18 minutes. Andreas Dahl levelled just three minutes later which had the home crowd excited. Anders Svensson gave Elfsborg the lead just three minutes before the interval.
It wasn't until five minutes from time that another goal was scored and it came in the shape of Stefan Ishizaki before Rafael Leandro pulled one back a minute later.

Halmstads sell Sparv

Halmstads have sold former Finland U-21 captain Tim Sparv to Holland.
FC Groningen have announced on their website that the highly-rated 22 year-old will join them on January 1st. Sparv joined Halmstads in 2007 in which he was sent-out on loan to Vaasan Palloseura (VPS) in Finland.
Sparv has been a regular this year and his contract is due to run-out in December.
FC Groningen said that Sparv, who has attracted alot of interest over the summer was one of their main-transfer targets this summer.

Sweden 1-0 Finland 12 August 2009

Sweden warmed up for the crucial world cup qualifiers next month with a good 1-0 win over neighbours Finland in Solna. With Sweden needing wins to have any chance of going to South Africa next June, Sweden warmed up here.
Johan Elmander scored the only goal of the game three minute from the interval and despite Finland chances, Sweden ended up with a morale boosting 1-0 win.

Sweden: Eddie Gustafsson (g.k): Mikael Nilsson, Olof Mellberg, Daniel Majstorovic (C), Behrang Safari, Sebastian Larsson, Kim Kallstrom, Anders Svensson, Samuel Holmén, Marcus Berg, Johan Elmander subs: Andreas Isaksson (g.k), Petter Hansson, Andreas Grandqvist, Oscar Wendt, Christian Wilhelmsson, Mikael Lustig, Daniel Andersson, Tobias Hysén, Pontus Wernbloom, Viktor Elm, Ola Toivonen

Finland: Otto Fredriksson (g.k): Petri Pasanen, Niklas Moisander, Sami Hyypia (C), Roman Eremenko, Mikael Forssell, Jari Litminen, Joonas Kolkka, Veli Lampi, Tim Sparv, Roni Porokara subs: Magnus Bahne (g.k), Tuomo Turunen, Toni Kuivasto, Markus Heikkinen, Berat Sadik, Alexei Eremenko, Daniel Sjolund, Teemu Tainio, Joni Aho

Venue: Rasunda

Time: 20:00 CET

Rasmus Elm's future

Kalmar's highly rated midfielde general Rasmus Elm has been the talk of some of Europe's leading clubs after impressive performances during Sweden's impressive U-21 championship semi-final finish back in June.

Interest:

The long list of clubs include the likes of Valencia, Everton, Man City and Bayern Munich. Elm has been linked with Hoffenheim and Fulham earlier in the summer. If Elm does leave it will leave Kalmar with a massive task of replacing him.

Exodus:

The likes of César Santín, Viktor Elm and Patrik Ingelsten have left for clubs overseas and it is widely epected that Rasmus Elm will follow. But question is where too? A decision is expected later this week.

Sweden Squad V Finland

Sweden have announced their squad that will take on Finland on Wednesday in Stockholm. New faces come from the U-21 side that impressed massively in June with Rasmus Elm among others. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out with an arm injury while Henrik Larsson is also injured.

Goalkeepers: Eddie Gustafsson (Salzburg), Andreas Isaksson (PSV)

Defenders: Olof Mellberg (Olympiakos), Andreas Grandqvist (FC Groningen), Mikael Nilsson (Brøndby), Daniel Majstorovic (AEK Athens), Mikael Lustig (Rosenborg), Oscar Wendt (FC København), Petter Hansson (Rennes)

Midfielders: Daniel Andersson (Malmö), Rasmus Elm (Kalmar), Anders Svensson (Elfsborg), Christian Wilhelmsson (Al Hilal), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), Kim Källström (Lyon), Behrang Safari (Basel), Viktor Elm (Heerenveen), Samuel Holmén (Brøndby)

Forwards: Ola Toivonen (PSV), Johan Elmander (Bolton), Tobias Hycén (IFK Göteborg), Pontus Wernbloom (AZ Alkmaar), Marcus Berg (Hamburg)

Helsingborgs 0-1 Örebro 9th August 2009

Helsingborgs suffered a crucial defeat at home to an Örebro side who are now 6th. Needing a win to go top Helsingborgs didn't have the finishing touch about them here. Just one goal was needed and it came from the visitors on 57 minutes with Big Danish striker Kim Olsen grabbing his chance. Örebro held on to secure a good win and move into 6th place.

Helsingborgs: Pär Hansson (g.k): Erik Wahlstedt (C), Marcus Nilsson, Hannu Patronen, Adama Tamboura, Marcus Bergholtz, May Mahlangu, Fredrik Svanbäck, René Makondelé, Rasmus Jönsson, Erik Sundin subs: Daniel Andersson (g.k), Rafael Porcellis, Markus Holgersson, Yakubu Alfa, Fredrik Liverstam

Örebro: John Alvåge (g.k): Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Almebäck, Magnus Wikström, Samuel Wowoah, Fredrik Nordback (C), Magnus Kihlberg, Nordin Gerzic, Eric Bassombeng, Kim Olsen, Roni Porokara subs: Peter Westman (g.k), Bertin Zé Ndille, Per Johansson, Adriano Munoz, Markus Astvald

Venue: Olympia

Time: 18:00 CET

Halmstads 2-0 Kalmar 9th August 2009

Kalmar lost the lead at the top after going down 2-0 away to Halmstads. Emir Kujovic gave the hosts the lead on 22 minutes as Kalmar struggled to get into the game. Rasmus Elm couldn't get into from today which Kalmar needed.

Halmstads, who have had a hot and cold season made it 2-0 in added time when Marcus Olsson found the net.

Halmstads: Magnus Bahne (g.k): Johnny Lundberg, Tomas Zvirgzdauskas, Tommy Jönsson (C), Christian Järdler, Michael Görlitz, Tim Sparv, Jonas Gudni Saevarsson, Anel Raskaj, Emir Kujovic, Emil Salomonsson subs: Karl-Johan Johnsson (g.k), Per Johansson, Ajsel Kujovic, Alexander Prent, Marcus Olsson

Kalmar: Petter Wastå (g.k): Emin Nouri, Stefan Ålander, Joachim Lantz, Stefan Larsson, Tobias Eriksson, Henrik Rydström (C), Rasmus Elm, Daniel Sobralense, David Elm, Daniel Mendes subs: Zlatan Azinovic (g.k), Abiola Dauda, Ricardo Santos, Lasse Johansson, Reinaldo

Venue: Örjans Vall

Time: 18:00 CET

Elfsborg 2-3 Gefle 9th August 2009

Elfsborg slipped to 5th after this shock 3-2 reverse at home to Gefle. Having deposed of Sporting Braga in the Europa League on Thursday, Elfsborg were expected to get another win here. But Gefle are not ones to back down. Stefan Ishizaki gave Elfsborg the lead on 12 minutes but that didn't down Gefle's confidence. Yannick Bapupa levelled four minutes into the 2nd half. Bapupa made the most of Gefle's possestion when he fired the Gavle club in front on 65 minutes. Elfsborg were rocked by that goal and were stunned when Jonas Lantto made it 3-1 to the visitors with just nine minutes remaining. Stefan Ishizaki got his 2nd of the night with three minutes left but it wasn't enough.

Elfsborg: Ante Covic (g.k): Johan Karlsson, Martin Andersson (C), Teddy Lucic, Mathias Florén, Daniel Nordmark, Daniel Mobaeck, Stefan Ishizaki, Denni Avdic, Emir Bajrami, Amadou Jawo subs: Joakim Wulff (g.k), Anders Wikström, Jesper Florén, Joel Johansson, Niklas Hult

Gefle: Mattias Hugosson (g.k): Daniel Bernhardsson (C), Daniel Theorin, Omar Jawo, Andreas Dahlén, Yussif Chibsah, Yannick Bapupa, Jonas Lantto, Daniel Westlin, Alexander Gerndt subs: Emil Hedvall (g.k), Johannes Ericsson, Hjalmar Öhagen, Bernhard Nyström, Marcus Hansson

Venue: Boras Arena

Time: 18:00 CET

Örgryte 1-2 IFK Göteborg 9th August 2009

IFK Göteborg claimed the derby victory and moved back on top of the Allsvenskan by a point from Helsingborgs.

Alessandro Silva gave the hosts the lead after just 15 minutes of play before IFK Göteborg got into the game. IFK have lost some key players this summer but still have Tobias Hycén who levelled for IFK on 53 minutes. A draw seemed on the cards until the former Sunderland striker Hycén struck in added time to secure the victory for IFK.

Örgryte: Bengt Andersson (g.k): Robin Jonsson, Dennis Jonsson, David Leinar, Roy Miller, Nicolas Sandberg, Alexander Mellqvist, Pavel Zavadil, Alessandro Silva, Marcus Allback, Alvaro Santos subs: Peter Abrahamsson (g.k), Markus Gustafsson, Tommy Von Brömsen, Niclas Elving, Magnus Källander

IFK Göteborg: Kim Christensen (g.k): Mickael Dyrestam, Radnur Sigurdsson, Hjalmar Jonsson, Sebastian Eriksson, Gustav Svensson, Theodor Bjarnason, Stefan Selakovic (C), Kamal Mustafa, Tobias Hycén, Hannes Stiller subs: Markus Sandberg (g.k), Karl Svensson, Tuomo Turunen, Thomas Olsson, Niklas Bärkroth

Venue: Gamla Ullevi

Time: 16:00 CET

Djurgården 0-1 Hammarby 9th August 2009

The big Stockholm derby ended with Hammarby recording a long over-due win. They needed help from Markus Johansson's own goal early in the first half. After that own goal on 20 minutes Djurgården tried in vain to find the equiliser. Hammarby will enjoy this win and hope to build on it next week.

Djurgården: Oskar Wahlström (g.k):Petter Gustafsson, Markus Johannesson (C), Toni Kuivasto, Jan Tauer, Sebastian Rajalakso, Daniel Sjölund, Mattias Jonson, Mikael Dahlberg, Hrvoje Milic, Johan Oremo subs: Tommi Vaiho (g.k), Patrik Haginge, Kebba Ceesay, Peter Magnusson, Dan Burlin

Hammarby: Rami Shaaban (g.k)(C): David Johansson, José Monteiro, Igor Armas, Emil Johansson, Claudio Da Silva, Andreas Dahl, Vladico Zlojutro, Haris Laitinen, Nathan Paulse, Rafael Leandro Magalhaes subs: Kristoffer Björklund (g.k), Christian Traoré, Freddy Söderberg, Maic Sema, Simon Helg

Venue: Råsunda

Time: 16:00 CET

The Golden Boot race

The race for the golden boot is tight at the moment. We have three player tied with nine goals apiece.
Tobias Hycén, Wanderson Do Carmo and in-form Rasmus Elm all lead the way with nine goals. Just behind the leading three are Jonas Henriksson of BK Hacken and Ramus Jonsson of Helsingborgs with seven goals each.

Allsvenskan Top Scorers:

1. Tobias Hycén (9 goals)
2. Wanderson (9 goals)
3. Rasmus Elm (9 goals)
4. Jonas Henriksson (7 goals)
5. Rasmus Jonsson (7 goals)

With the season ending in late October there is plenty of time left for more goals and even more players appearing in the top scorers list.

AIK 2-1 IF Brommapojkarna 8th August 2009

AIK are 2nd after this come-from-behind victory over Stockholm rivals IF Brommapojkarna. In truth IF Brommapojkarna were unlucky in this game. Philip Haglund gave them the lead on 53 minutes to the dismay of the AIK support. But not to be undone AIK pushed for an equiliser and found it on 67 minutes through Markus Jonsson. IF Brommapojkarna looked likely to hold out for the point until AIK favourite Iván Óbolo broke Brommapojkarna hearts with the winner two minutes from time.

AIK: Daniel Örlund (g.k): Markus Jonsson, Per Karlsson, Jos Hooiveld, Nils-Eric Johansson (C), Kenny Pavey, Jorge Ortiz, Dulee Johnson, Bojan Djordjic, Martin Kayongo-Mutumba, Iván Óbolo subs: Lee Baxter (g.k), Walid Atta, Daniel Tjernström, Saihou Jagne, Yussuf Saleh

IF Brommapojkarna: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (g.k): Jon Persson, Pär Asp, Mikkel Jensen, Miiko Albornoz, Imad Chhadeh, Gabriel Petrovic, Olof Guterstam, Philip Haglund, Dalil Benyahia, Pablo Pinones Arce subs: Benny Lekström (g.k), Mauricio Albornoz, Kim Odelius, Nabil Bahoui, Andreas Eriksson

Venue: Råsunda

Time: 16:00 CET

Trelleborgs 0-2 Malmö 8th August 2009

Life after Ramus Bengtsson is not so good perhaps? Trelleborgs allowed rivals Malmo to secure a 2-0 win here. With Bengtsson gone the defence looked edgy. It took Brazilian Wilton Figueiredo just 9 minutes to open the scoring. Malmo made the short journey with three points on their minds and that was all but secured on 83 minutes when veteran Daniel Andersson found the net.

Trelleborgs: Viktor Norling (g.k): Dennis Melander (C), Jen Sloth, Yousef Fakhro, Mikael Bengtsson, Marcus Pode, Kristian Haynes, Magnus Andersson, Andreas Wihlborg, Andreas Drugge, Fredrik Jensen subs: Carl Wachtmeister (g.k), Joakim Sjöhage, Thommie Persson, Viktor Svensson, Paulino Lopes Tavares

Malmö: Johan Dahlin (g.k): Ulrich Vinzents, Jasmin Sudic, Gabriel De Paulo, Markus Halsti, Daniel Larsson, Daniel Andersson (C), Jiloan Hamad, Rick Kruys, Wilton Figueiredo, Edward Ofere subs: Dusan Melichárek (g.k), Robert Åhman Persson, Jeffrey Aubynn, Guillermo Molins, Agon Mehmeti

Venue: Vångavallen

Time: 16:00 CET

Rasmus Bengtsson leaves Trelleborgs

Trelleborgs have allowed star defender Rasmus Bengtsson leave for Hertha Berlin.
The southern Sweden club have cashed in on their star defender.
Bengtsson was part of the Swedish U-21 side that made the semi-finals of the U-21 championships so impressively in June.
Hertha Berlin begin their Bundesliga campaign on Saturday and it is not yet known if Bengtsson will start.
Bengtsson scored 11 goals in total during his time with Trelleborgs.

Europa League Play-off Round

Having seen two of Sweden's representitives knocked-out yesterday Sweden has only one club left in European competition.
Elfsborg secured a fantastic 4-1 win over two-legs against Portugal's Sporting Braga while both Helsingborgs and IFK Göteborg bowed out.

Stern Test:
Elfsborg were drawn against Serie A giants Lazio in the play-off round. The Italians will be the favourites but Elfsborg will certainly be up for this tie. The winner goes into the UEFA Europa League Group stage.
The first leg takes place on 20th August with the 2nd leg played on the 27th August 2009.

Elfsborg 2-0 Sporting Braga 6th August 2009

Elfsborg completed the job of sending Sporting Braga out of European action early after a 2-0 win here. Leading 2-1 from the first-leg in Portugal the Borås based club were looking to finish the tie.
Englishman James Keene's double in the first half killed off the tie. Keene struck on 16 minutes to give Elfsborg a 3-1 lead overall before adding his 2nd on 32 minutes to secure a 4-1 lead. Elfsborg go into the draw later today with confidence.

FK Sarajevo 2-1 Helsingborgs 6th August 2009

FK Sarajevo have qualified for the Europa League play-off round after overcoming Helsingborgs 5-4 on penalties.
Rasmus Jönsson gave Helsingborgs the perfect start when he found the net in the 2nd minute to make it 3-1 in the tie. But FK Sarajevo refused to back down and levelled on the night through Damir Hadžić on 38 minutes. FK Sarajevo needed one more goal to take the tie to extra-time and they got it on 78 minutes when Alen Avdić slotted past Pär Hansson.
Extra-time was needed but no team took any chances and the dreaded penalty shoot-out was needed. Joel Ekstrand missed his spot-kick which allowed Faruk Ihtijarević to give FK Sarajevo a 2-1 lead on penalties. Đenaldin Hamzagić scored the winning spot-kick to send FK Sarajevo through at the expense of Helsingborgs.

Hapoel Tel-Aviv 1-1 IFK Göteborg 6th August 2009

IFK Göteborg are out of the Europa League after failing to overturn a 3-1 deficit last week. Needing a win by three goals to progress IFK were as good as out on 14 minutes when Michael Zandberg gave the Israeli hosts the lead. IFK Göteborg fought back and levelled on the night through recent signing Hannes Stiller on 52 minutes. Hapoel Tel-Aviv advance to the Play-off round.

BK Häcken 1-0 GAIS 6th August 2009

BK Häcken secured another good result when they overcame city rivals GAIS 1-0. Erik Friberg scored the only goal of the game on 42 minutes to secure BK Häcken the win and push GAIS further into trouble at the bottom half of the table.

BK Häcken: Christoffer Källqvist (g.k): Johan Lind, Tom Söderberg, Mattias Östberg, David Frölund, Josef Karlsson, Dominic Chatto, Jonas Henriksson (C), Erik Friberg, Paulo De Oliviera,
Mathias Ranégie subs: Damir Mehic (g.k), Emil Wahlström, Vinicius Lopes Souto, Peter Nyström, Marcus Jarlegren

GAIS: Dime Jankulovski (g.k): Jonas Lundén (C), Richard Ekunde, Calum Angus, Kenneth Gustafsson, Richard Spong, Romario Pereira, Sipiao, Johan Mårtensson, Tommy Lycén, Wanderson Do Carmo, Eyjólfur Hédinsson subs: Magnus Jonsson (g.k), Reuben Ayarna, Mikael Dahlgren, Pär Ericsson, Tobias Holmqvist

Venue: Rambergsvallen

Time: 19:00 CET

Europa League Preview

The 2nd legs of the 3rd qualifying round in the Europa League get under way tonight with all 3 teams from Sweden in action.

Elfsborg:
Elfsborg go into tonight's home leg against Portuguese side Sporting Braga with a 2-1 lead from last week. Emir Bajrami will again by key to Elfborg's chances tonight. Sporting Braga need a 2-0 win to progress while a draw or a 1-0 defeat will do for Elfsborg. Elfsborg were beaten by Kalmar 3-1 at the weekend as Elfsborg looked towards this game.

Helsingborgs:
Helsingborgs' tie with FK Sarajevo is not sorted either. Helsingborgs travel to Bosnia-Hertzegovina with a narrow 2-1 lead to defend against a FK Sarajevo side who need only a 1-0 to go through, having scored an away goal last week at the Olympia. Henrik Larsson is out of tonight's game

IFK Goteborg:
IFK Goteborg have it all to do if they are to go through tonight. The two-time UEFA Cup winners are losing 3-1 in the tie following last week's result against Israelis Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Three goals at least is needed to progress and that isn't going to be easy in Israel's hostile atmosphere.

Race for Promotion?

The race for promotion is hotting up in the Superettan. With thing getting tight in the promotion aspects the destination of the title is very likely going to Mjällby baring a miracle.

Mjällby:
Mjällby have only lost once all season up to now in 17 games and conceded just eight goals in those games. Star-striker Erton Fejzullahu may have left for NEC in Holland but that hasn't stopped Mjällby. A full 11 points clear of 2nd placed Åtvidabergs the club look certain to go up in October.

Åtvidabergs:
Åtvidabergs are pushing for a return to the Allsvenskan and have been going about it nicley this season. The team look like securing the 2nd automatic promotion place but have to watch out as they are only 2 points clear of GIF Sundsvall in 3rd at the moment.

GIF Sundsvall:
Relegated from the Allsvenskan last year, Sundsvall are the only one of the three relegated team last year pushing for promotion. Linus Hallenius left for Hammarby which might effect GIF Sundsvall.

The best of the rest:
Assyriska are level of points with GIF Sundsvall (31) at the moment and are four clear of their nearest rivals Syrianska and Falkenbergs. Syrianska may push for the play-off place at best as will Falkenbergs but Ängelholms still have a chance.

Hammarby 1-2 Helsingborgs 3rd August 2009

Hammarby can't get a win at the moment. Having been beaten by Orgryte two weeks ago the Stockholm side suffered a 2-1 reverse to Helsingborgs. René Makondelé gave the visitors the lead on 41 minutes to silence the home crowd. Erik Sundin made it 2-0 on the hour-mark which left Hammarby facing defeat again. But five minutes later, new signing Andreas Dahl gave the fans something to cheer about with a goal which made it 2-1. Helsingborgs held on for another win ahead of Thursday's trip to Bosnia.

Örebro 2-2 Örgryte 3rd August 2009

Örebro needed the help of two own goals to force a draw at home to an Örgryte side with a spring in their step. David Leinar put slotted past Bengt Andersson on 16 minute to give the Behrn Arena faithful the lead. Brazilian Alvaro Santos levelled for the visitors just after the re-start. Three minutes later Marcus Allback gave Örgryte the lead and it looked like Örgryte would hold on. Örebro bought Adriano Munoz on for his debut and Örebro pushed for an equiliser. With just five minutes remaining Örgryte scored an own goal this time from defender Dennis Jonsson.

Örebro: John Alvbåge (g.k): Patrik Anttonen, Michael Almebäck, Magnus Wikström, Samuel Wowoah, Alejandro Bedoya, Magnus Kihlberg (C), Nordin Gerzic, Eric Bassombeng, Kim Olsen, Roni Porokara subs: Peter Westman (g.k), Bertin Zé Ndille, Per Johansson, Adriano Munoz, Markus Astvald

Örgryte: Bengt Andersson (g.k): Björn Anklev, Dennis Jonsson, David Leinar, Tommy Von Brömsen, Alexander Mellqvist, Pavel Zavadil, Sebastian Johansson, Alessandro Silva, Alvaro Santos, Marcus Allbäck subs: Peter Abrahamsson (g.k), Johan Sjöberg, Roy Miller, Nicolas Sandberg, Magnus Källander

Venue: Behrn Arena

Time: 19:00 CET

Gefle 2-0 Djurgården 3rd August 2009

Gefle finally recorded a win after a winless streak and for Djurgarden the rot continues. It took The Gavle-based club just 5 minutes to take the lead when Jonas Lantto found the net. Gefle have been playing well this season and just 7 minutes later they made it 2-0 with Daniel Westlin putting his name on the scoresheet. Djurgarden need points and quick with the season reaching it's final 3rd.

Gefle: Mattias Hugosson (g.k): Daniel Bernhardsson (C), Daniel Theorin, Omar Jawo, Andreas Dahlén, Jonathan Berg, Yussif Chibsah, Yannick Bapupa, Jonas Lantto, Alexander Gerndt, Daniel Westlin subs: Emil Hedvall (g.k), Olof Mård, Hjalmar Öhagen, Bernhard Nyström, Marcus Hansson

Djurgarden: Oskar Wahlström (g.k): Patrik Haginge, Markus Johannesson (C), Toni Kuivasto, Petter Gustafsson, Sebastian Rajalakso, Daniel Sjölund, Mikael Dahlberg, Hrvoje Milic, Kebba Ceesay, Mattias Jonson subs: Tommi Vaiho (g.k), Prince Ikpe Ekong, Jan Tauer, Peter Magnusson, Dan Burlin

Venue: Strövallen

Time: 19:00 CET

GAIS 0-1 Trelleborgs 3rd August 2009

Trelleborgs ended up winning away to GAIS. The Southern club continue to defy the odds and are edging closer to the European places with goalkeeper Vikto Norling in fine form.
Only one goal was enough today and it came in the shape of Peter Abelsson on 64 minutes. GAIS had Mattias Lindstrom sent-off with seven minutes to play which killed off any hope of a GAIS fight-back.

GAIS: Dime Jankulovski (g.k): Jonas Lundén (C), Richard Ekunde, Calun Angus, Kenneth Gustafsson, Johan Mårtensson, Richard Spong, Mattias Lindström x2, Romario Pereira, Wanderson Do Carmo, Pär Ericsson subs: Magnus Jonsson (g.k), Tommy Lycén, Mikael Dahlgren, Eyjólfur Hédinsson, Tobias Holmqvist

Trelleborgs: Viktor Norling (g.k): Thommie Persson, Peter Abelsson, Yousef Fakhro, Mikael Bengtsson, Marcus Pode, Kristian Haynes (C), Magnus Andersson, Andreas Wihlborg, Andreas Drugge, Fredrik Jensen subs: Carl Wachtmeister (g.k), Joakim Sjöhage, Jonathan Asp, Jens Sloth, Joakim Nilsson

Venue: Gamla Ullevi

Time: 19:00 CET

July Transfer Round-Up:

The clubs were busy signing up during the transfer window. But IFK Goteborg suffered the big name departures.

AIK: in: Niklas Backman (Vasby United), Dulee Johson (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Pontus Engblom (Vasby United), Daniel Gustafsson (Vasby United)
Out: Milos Petkovic (Vasalunds)

BK Hacken: in: -
out: Peter Nilsson (Falkenbergs)

Djurgardens: In: Christoffer Karlsson (Atvidaberg), Dan Burlin (Skelleftea), Leandro Ortíz (River Plate), Yosif Ayuba (Vasalunds)
Out: Martin Andersson (Vasalunds), Aki Riihilahti (HJK Helsinki), Andrej Komac (released)

GAIS: In: -
Out: -

Gefle: In: -
Out: Amadou Jawo (Elfsborg)

Halmstads: In: Mahamat Azrack (Espanyol B), Johnny Lungberg (FC Nordjaelland)
Out: Sebastien Johansson (Orgryte), Andreas Johansson (VFL Bochum)

Hammarby: In: Linus Hallenius (GIF Sundsvall), Patrik Gerrbrand (Fredrikstad), Andreas Dahl (FC Nordsjaelland), Vlado Zlojutro (Husgvarna)
out: Louay Chanko (AaB Aallborg), Erkan Zengin (Besiktas), Charlie Davies (Sochaux), Mikkel Jensen (IF Brommapojkarna)

Helsingborgs: In: Matias Unkuri (Angelholms)
Out: Magnus Arvidsson (retired), Matias Unkuri (Angelholms)

IF Brommapojkarna: In: Pablo-Pinones Arce (Vejle), Mikkel Jensen (Hammarby)
Out: Sinan Ayranci (Genclerbirligi)

Elfsborg: In: Jesper Arvidsson (Atvidaberg), Amadou Jawo (Gefle), Marcus Falk-Olander (Trelleborgs)
Out: Johan Sjoberg (Orgryte), Elmin Kurbegovic (Novara), Abbas Hassan (AaB Aallborg)

IFK Goteborg: In: Erik Dahlin (Trollhatten), Tuomo Turunen (FC Honka), Theodor Bjarnason (Lyn Oslo), Hannes Stiller (Qviding)
Out: Pontus Wernbloom (AZ Alkmaar), Mathias Eteus (Trollhatten), Mathias Bjarsmyr (Panathinaikos)

Kalmar: In: Marcel Sacramento (Jonkoping), Ricardo Santos (Jonkoping), Stefan Alander (GIF Sundsvall), Reinaldo (Palmeiras B)
Out: -

Malmo: In: Robin Nilsson (Angelholms), Joakim Nilsson (Mjallby), Johan Dahlin (Lyn Oslo), Ivo Pekalski (Landskrona BoIS), Filip Stenstrom (Vasteras SK)
Out: David Durmaz (Denizlispor), Labinot Harbuzi (Genclerbirligi), Jimmy Dixon (Manisaspor), Babis Stefanidis (Landskrona BoIS)

Orebro: In: Adriano Munoz (Tromso)
Out: Emra Tahirovic (FC Zurich), Kristoffer Nafver (Assyriska)

Orgryte: In: Sebastian Johansson (Halmstads), Johan Sjoberg (Elfsborg)
Out: Nathan Coe (FC Kobenhavn)

Trelleborgs: In: Andreas Wihlborg (Lyngby)
Out: Marcus Falk-Olander (Elfsborg)

IFK Göteborg 2-2 BK Häcken 2nd August 2009

IFK Göteborg have struggled of late following the departures of the key players and fought back to get a 2-2 draw at home to rivals BK Häcken.
Mattias Östberg gave BK Häcken the lead on 41 minutes in this Göteborg derby. Josef Karlsson made it 2-0 to BK Häcken on 54 minutes as IFK struggled. BK Häcken had John Chibuike sent-off mid-way through the 2nd half. It wasn't until five minutes from this IFK Göteborg showed promise and got a goal back through Hannes Stiller. But Thomas Olsson showed his experience and scored the equilisier in added time to claim a point for IFK.

IFK Göteborg: Kim Christensen (g.k): Erik Lund, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Hjalmar Jonsson, Mikael Dyrestam, Stefan Selakovic (C), Gustav Svensson, Thomas Olsson, Sebastian Eriksson, Theodor Bjarnason, Tobias Hycén Subs: Markus Sandberg (g.k), Karl Svensson, Hannes Stiller, Niklas Bärkroth, Kamal Mustafa

BK Häcken: Christoffer Källqvist (g.k): Johan Lind, Mattias Östberg, Tom Söderberg, David Frölund, Erik Friberg, Josef Karlsson, Jonas Henriksson (C), John Chibuike x2, Paulo De Oliveira, Mathias Ranégie subs: Damir Mehic (g.k), Emil Wahlström, Vinicius Lopes, Marcus Jarlegren, Dominic Chatto

Venue: Gamla Ullevi

Time: 18:00 CET

IF Brommapojkarna 2-1 Halmstads 2nd August 2009

IF Brommapojkarna continue to take the Allsvenskan by storm this year after beating disappointing Halmstads 2-1. Philip Haglund gave the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead on 5 minutes before Dalil Benyahia made it 2-0 just before the half-hour mark.
Halmstads have had a poor season to be honest and pulled a goal back on 75 minutes through Emir Kujovic but IF Brommapojkarna hung on to claim the three points.

IF Brommapojkarna: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (g.k): Jon Persson (C), Pär Asp, Mikkel Jensen, Miiko Albornoz, Mauricio Albornoz, Gabriel Petrovic, Dalil Benyahia, Philip Haglund, Olof Guterstam, Pablo Pinones Arce subs: Benny Lekström (g.k), Kim Odelius, Tim Björkström, Nabil Bahoui, Andreas Eriksson

Halmstads: Magnus Bahne (g.k): Johnny Lundberg, Tomas Zvirgzdauskas, Tommy Jönsson (C), Per Johansson, Tim Sparv, Jonas Gudni Saevarsson, Mikael Rosén, Anel Raskaj, Michael Görlitz, Emir Kujovic subs: Karl-Johan Johnsson (g.k), Ajsel Kujovic, Alexander Prent, Christian Järdler, Emil Jensen

Venue: Grimsta IP

Time: 18:00 CET

Kalmar 3-1 Elfsborg 2nd August 2009

Kalmar have gone top to the Allsvenskan. Last year's champion returned after beating Elfsborg 3-1. David Elm gave the hosts a 35th minute lead before Helgi Danielsson levelled just 3 minutes later.
Elfsborg, victorious in mid-week went behind on 61 minutes when Rasmus Elm found the net again. Elfsborg were looking for a win themselves to go clear. But Kalmar ensured the win when Abiola Dauda made it 3-1 on 89 minutes.

Kalmar: Petter Wastå (g.k): Emin Nouri, Stefan Ålander, Joachim Lantz, Stefan Larsson, Tobias Eriksson, Henrik Rydström (C), Rasmus Elm, Daniel Sobralense, David Elm, Daniel Mendes subs: Zlatan Azinovic (g.k), Abiola Dauda, Ricardo Santos, Lasse Johansson, Reinaldo

Elfsborg: Ante Covic (g.k): Anders Wikström, Teddy Lucic, Martin Andersson (C), Johan Karlsson, Anders Svensson, Helgi Daníelsson, Stefan Ishizaki, Daniel Mobaeck, Emir Bajrami, James Keene subs: Andreas Andersson (g.k), Denni Avdic, Amadou Jawo, Daniel Nordmark, Joel Johansson

Venue: Fredriksskans

Time: 18:00 CET