Mikael Lustig doesn’t want to experience a repeat of Sweden’s Euro 16 opener against Ireland when they take on South Korea today.
Two years ago the Swede’s fell behind before grabbing a draw but defeats from Italy and Belgium left them at the bottom of the group as the other three sides progressed into the knock out phase.
Lustig picked up an injury against Ireland that ended his tournament after 45 minutes but bounced back to become a key figure at club level as Celtic racked up a Double Treble.
After knocking Italy out at the play-off stage the Swede’s aren’t short of confidence today but Lustig won’t get swept away by the hype.
“Against Ireland, we panicked a bit,” he recalled to The Sun. “We thought they would play a certain way, but they actually played in the opposite style.
“The problem with the opening game is that it’s all you think about for several weeks. You think you will win 1-0 or 2-0 and get off to a good start.
“Then they score and that changes everything. It’s really important we are fully prepared for the challenge posed to us by South Korea.”
With Mexico beating Germany 1-0 in the opening match of Group F there is everything to play for in today’s 1pm kick off, after today’s match the Swede’s are next in action against Germany of Saturday with a 7pm kick off.