Both Sweden and Belgium will be coming into their final UEFA Euro 2016 group stage match with one objective: to win. Whilst a draw should be enough for the Red Devils, a stalemate will effectively end any shot the Blågult have at securing a spot in the knockout rounds. For these two sides, everything will be at stake as they lock horns at the Stade de Nice this Wednesday.
Sweden
The Blågult have endured nothing short of a miserable tournament, and star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is under increasing pressure to step up and deliver. The 34-year-old, who is Sweden's all-time top goalscorer and current skipper has drawn a blank in his last two games. Not exactly promising from a player who was only second to Poland's Robert Lewandowski in goals scored during Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Sweden last cleared the group stages at the 2004 edition, and since then, have failed to progress in their past three tournaments. When this quartet was announced, most realized that Erik Hamren's men would have a tough time against sides like Italy and Belgium, but all is not lost. Should they win against the Red Devils, Ibrahimovic and his colleagues would seal their spot in the round of 16, but anything less will mean that they head hope disappointed for the third straight time.
Ibrahimovic has had a very disappointing and frustrating Euro 2016 tournament so far in France. Will he finally open his account on Wednesday?
Hamren will be coming into this game with no injuries to concern him, meaning that he will be able to select his strongest starting XI for this must-win clash.
Belgium
A poor showing against Italy had people already expressing their doubts about Marc Wilmots's Belgium side. The Red Devils were insipid and a far cry from a team ranked as the no. 2 side in the world as they were again frustrated by the Azzurri. However, they truly rebounded in style as they cruised to a relatively comfortable 3-0 win over Ireland, and now are in excellent contention to seal their spot in the round of 16.
Romelu Lukaku opened his Euro 2016 account with a well-taken brace as Belgium dispatched Ireland 3-0 last weekend
Belgium, who have been viewed as a serious contender to clinch the title this July, last featured at a Euro tournament in 2000 - when they were dumped out at the group stage. The last time they even made it to the knockout rounds was in 1980, and they made it all the way to the finals before being beaten by West Germany.
In terms of personnel, Mousa Dembélé and Yannick Carrasco are both struggling with fitness problems and could be in doubt for this match.
Which channel is broadcasting Sweden vs Belgium on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade de Nice? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST on: WATCH ESPN, ESPN3 USA, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In Sweden at 21.00 CET on: C More Play, TV4 Sweden, TV4 Play Premium
- In Belgium at 21.00 CET on: RTBF Auvio Direct, La Une, Één, Sporza Live Streaming
- In France at 21.00 CET on: beIN Sports 2, M6, beIN SPORTS CONNECT France
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: The ITV Hub, TalkSport Radio UK, ITV 4 UK, STV Scotland
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN1, TSN3, RDS 2
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Sweden vs Belgium broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Sweden vs Belgium - Facts & Stats
- There have been five competitive meetings, and it's Belgium who hold the slight advantage - three wins to two
- The last time the Blågult beat the Red Devils was on October 4, 1961 - during qualification for the 1962 World Cup
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make history on Wednesday - if he can score. This will make him the first player ever to net at four Euro tournaments (having scored already at 2004, 2008, and 2012)
- Belgium beat Sweden during their last Euro meeting - a 2-1 victory on June 10, 2000 during the group stages
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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