ekansekans's blog: "df"

KIEV, Ukraine -- Sweden has two concerns going into its opening European Championship game against Ukraine on Monday -- Johan Elmanders foot and the co-hosts crowd support. Roddy White Jersey . Elmander is Swedens only major injury worry, with the Galatasaray forward struggling to recover from a fracture in his right foot. He worked out separately on Thursday while the rest of squad held their first training session in Ukraine on the outskirts of Kyiv. Elmander is coach Erik Hamrens top choice to start up front along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and is expected to begin participating in full training on Friday. "So far its looking good, and hes very positive," Hamren said at a news conference. Hamren sounded more concerned about facing Ukraine in its opening game, saying the host nation is usually among the toughest teams to play in the first match. While Sweden may seem to have a stronger lineup on paper, Hamren also pointed out that the last three games between the teams have finished with a win for each side and a draw. "We know it will be even tougher on Monday because of the home support, so in my eyes theyre the favourites to win," he said. "If you look at the statistics, its not often that the host nation loses its opener." Thats why Elmanders fitness may be key for the Swedes. The former Bolton strikers speed and willingness to run tirelessly throughout a game can open up more space for Ibrahimovic, Swedens best player who is likely to be deployed in a playmaker role behind whoever is at centre forward. "His qualities help make it easier for me," Ibrahimovic said after a 2-1 friendly win over Serbia on Tuesday, which Elmander missed. If Elmander still isnt fit on Monday, Hamren does have other options. PSV Eindhoven striker Ola Toivonen started up front against Serbia and scored the opening goal. In the previous warm-up game against Iceland, Werder Bremen forward Markus Rosenberg started in that role with Toivonen on the wing -- although Rosenberg is also struggling with an injury. Hamren said he isnt in a hurry to make up his mind about his lineup. "I dont have a clear starting 11 in my mind," he said. "There are some positions where very small margins will decide whos going to play. And I dont have everyone match fit right now, so well see in the coming days whos available on game day." Sweden enjoyed a fairly relaxed first full day in Ukraine, with those who played against Serbia only engaging in light training during Thursdays session. The team then showed Swedish media around the hotel it is staying at south of Kyiv, with Hamren saying hes trying to make sure the players dont start thinking too much about the Ukraine game too far in advance. Even though Sweden may be the co-hosts opponent, Hamren said he was impressed with the reception the team received when it arrived on Wednesday night -- especially a group of young dancers that greeted the team at the hotel. "I hope my players watched and learned, because their footwork was really world class," he said. Roddy White Super Bowl Jersey . Goalkeeper Bandura, defender Mandziuk and midfielder Stepanenko were the final players trimmed ahead of the finals, which start June 8 and are co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Blokhin made the decisions after a 4-0 friendly win over Estonia on Monday and will now turn his attention toward friendlies against Austria and Turkey ahead of Ukraines Group D opener against Sweden on June 11. Jacquizz Rodgers Jersey . Alvarez hit his 30th homer, connecting for his first career shot in the city where he was a prep star and leading the Pittsburgh Pirates over the New York Mets 10-6 on Tuesday night. http://www.thefalconsfanstore.com/authentic-tony-gonzalez-super-bowl-jersey/ . For Dean Lombardi to make the trade for Mike Richards last summer, you have to understand how Lombardi works. William Moore Pink Jersey . Alvarez hit his 30th homer, connecting for his first career shot in the city where he was a prep star and leading the Pittsburgh Pirates over the New York Mets 10-6 on Tuesday night. Roddy White Camo Jersey .C. -- The NFL has announced that Carolina Panthers backup defensive tackle Andre Neblett has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the leagues policy on performance enhancing substances. WHITBY, Ont. -- Wesley Berg had four goals and two assists and the Coquitlam Adanacs scored nine times in the second period on Wednesday to beat the host Whitby Warriors 15-11 in the Minto Cup tournament. The win advances Coquitlam into a three-game final against the Orangeville Northmen for Canadas national junior indoor lacrosse championship. Reid Reinholdt led the Adanacs with seven points -- two goals and five assiists -- while Vincent Ricci had a hat trick. Matt Bryant Womens Jersey. Robert Church added two goals and dished out four assists, as Matthew Dinsdale had a pair of goals. Jeff Cornwall and Ben McIntosh pitched in with a couple for Coquitlam. Dan Lintner scored four times for Whitby, while Ryan Serville and Chad Tutton both had two goals and an assist. Zack Palmer, Chris Attwood and Jordan Houtby chipped in as well. ' ' '