Sweden progressed from the group phase as one of best third-placed teams, finishing behind Nigeria and Mexico, the two finalists at UAE 2013.

Their two subsequent triumphs in the knockout stage – versus Japan in the Round of 16 and Honduras in the quarter-finals – saw Roland Larsson’s men arguably accomplish the most significant feat for Swedish football since the senior side claimed third spot at the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ in USA.

In order to achieve a similar ranking and pick up a fourth win in a row, Sweden’s coaching staff will likely place their trust in the players who have most contributed to their fine results thus far: forwards Valmir Berishaand Gustav Engvall, as well as the midfield triumvirate of Elias Andersson, Erdal Rakipand Anton Saletros.

As for Argentina, their loss to Mexico was unexpected given their excellent performances in the competition up to that point. By recording four consecutive victories after their opening draw with Iran, the South Americans were, prior to their semi-final, just one of two unbeaten teams (alongside Nigeria) left in the competition.

Taking into account the discouraging nature of the reverse, coach Humberto Grondona will have his work cut out for him when motivating his players, but will doubtless stress that the previous result was nothing more than the proverbial bad day at the office.

The absentees

Two Argentinian players are sure to miss the match with Sweden: captain and goalkeeper Augusto Batallaand defender Joaquin Ibanez, who were both sent off during the semi-final versus Mexico.

Player to watch

Elias Andersson( Sweden)
The Helsingborg midfielder is regarded as one of the most effective and influential performers in the Swedish XI. The only player to have played every minute of Sweden’s six matches at UAE 2013, the skipper got off to a remarkable start by setting up three goals in his country’s 4-1 opening-day victory over Iraq.

The number

5– Friday’s duel will be the fifth time (in 12 appearances) that Argentinahave taken part in the play-off for third place, which constitutes a new record at the U-17 event. The South Americans have emerged victorious from the bronze medal match on three occasions (the last of which came ten years ago in Finland), and have lost just once, going down 2-0 to Burkina Faso at Trinidad and Tobago 2001.

The words

“Now the world knows that the next generation of Swedish players is capable of great things, and we’re determined to end our time here with a medal,” Sweden forward Valmir Berisha.

“The defeat by Mexico has not dented our motivation. We’re intent on finishing third and we’ll approach this match with the same attitude as usual. I’m very confident that we can obtain a positive result on Friday,” Argentina coach Humberto Grondona.

So nobody would like to watch the game, right??

Sweden leading Argentina by 3 goals to 1

Sweden dey vex oo 4 - 1 presently

So far Nigeria remain the ultimate champion and will consolidate on that come this evening

jaytime: So far Nigeria remain the ultimate champion and will consolidate on that come this evening

sure

Na only third place victory Sweden dey celebrate like this? Na wa o! If dem celerate like dis, wetin we go come do nah when we win the cup?

jaytime: Na only third place victory Sweden dey celebrate like this? Na wa o! If dem celerate like dis, wetin we go come do nah when we win the cup?

LOL