Svensson backs Sweden to repeat 1994 success

STOCKHOLM, May 5 (Reuters) Tommy Svensson, who coached Sweden to third place in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, believes his country can do as well in this year's finals in Germany.

''If everyone is on top they sure can get as good as we were,'' Svensson told the news agency TT today.

''There are some real world class players in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson and Fredrik Ljungberg, it's just a matter of everyone being on top and in shape at the same time.'' Svensson's World Cup side hammered Bulgaria 4-0 in the bronze match, having lost the semi-final to eventual winners Brazil.

He resigned in 1997 after failing to take Sweden to the following World Cup in France.

Of the 1994 squad only Larsson and central defender Teddy Lucic will feature in Germany, provided they both remain fit.

Sweden are grouped with England, Paraguay and Trinidad&Tobago at the finals which begin on June 9.

Reuters PG RN2035