Elfsborg - objects of well deserved ridicule

Elfsborg completely disgraced themselves as the pitiful wretches lost 8-1 against this years champions. This pathetic display is further evidence that a comfortable loser atmosphere still is prevalent at the Borås club. This is the club Anders Svensson longed for, instead of going somewhere where he might have to work. This is the team who has spent more money in the transfer market this year than all other teams save Malmö. Anders Svenssons days as a natural starter in the national team are nearing an end unless he moves or Kim Källström stops developing.

I hope Elfsborg drops out of the first division next year, if you don't have more than one player with something resembling a spine (Hasse Berggren) then you should just go away. To just lie down and let another team walk over you - I'm appalled.

Real Madrid - Valencia 1--2

Valencia was helped by a hopeless referee as they beat Real Madrid tonight. Odd decisions left and right until Real collapsed and took themselves out of the game with two red cards. Incredible high-speed play by Villa, Vicente and Aimar in attack for Valencia while the defence was good enough to hold Madrid (who were without Ronaldo and Baptista). Some excellent passing and solid defending, both goals coming from dead ball situations. Baraja hit a free kick and David Villa scored his 11th goal from a penalty in La Liga. Out of 11 tries.

I still don't think the defence is as assured as it was two years ago but an away win at the Bernabu is of course always something to cherish. No sign of Rufete, rumor (actually Pontus Kåmark) has it that he's out fo form. Angula had a decent game, nothing more, even if he had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside. Baraja and Albelda are looking closer to the players we remember from that glorious season 2003-2004.

Messi looks to keep Larsson out of starting XI

Not only that, the way he played against Osasuna, he is likely to keep anyone out. I still fail to see a problem for Henrik and his place in the national team. He will continue to get some playing time, especially when Eto'o is away or injured. The training sessions and the climate are world class.

Sweden drop from 10th to 13th place in the FIFA rankings

This might be significant when the draw for the World Cup is done in December. It would appear that Sweden will be ranked in the second group, depending on what other teams make it to the cup. The Czech Republic (who went from fourth to third after losing to Holland!), Turkey and Spain are all ahead of Sweden but have yet to clear the last obstacle, a final qualifying round. Whether all, some or none of these teams go through could have a direct effect on what group Sweden will be seeded in.

Sweden did, however, make the top seeded group for the European Championship qualifiers after Croatia only managed a 0-0 draw against Hungary.

Hello and goodbye to Superettan

AIK is back where it belongs. The black and yellow team won the Second Division, finishing ahead of Öster IF. Next season should see some things set straight in the First Division as things seem to have gone awry there this year.