GERMANY-SWEDEN: Coach's and Players' Quotes

Lars LAGERBACK (SWE)

Congratulations to Germany and let me wish them success in the rest of the tournament. They were really very good today. We were far too passive at the start, we were second to every ball, and we conceded two early goals. We lost to a combination of bad luck, a good German team and the early goals. It's difficult enough against Germany with 11 men, and even more difficult when you're down to ten.

But in the period after we fell behind, I think we showed we have the ability to match Germany. I'm not sure we made the most of our potential up front. I brought on Marcus Allback for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, because I felt we needed fresh impetus. I didn't feel the need for any other solution. I thought the second yellow for Teddy Lucic was harsh, but overall I think the referees have done well at this tournament. It'll take a strong and well-prepared team to knock Germany out of the competition

Olof MELLBERG (SWE)

We didn't make a very good start and we had problems finding a way back after falling behind so early. We were as bad in the first half as we were against England. We weren't expecting the Germans to be so strong right at the start. We had a chance or two in the second half, so it's far from impossible to score against Germany. They don't play like a typical German side.

Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC (SWE)

I'm not that disappointed because Germany were the better team today. The early goals really did for us. It was tough trying to turn that around. I was pretty tired but I gave it my best shot. I'll definitely continue playing for the national team.

Henrik LARSSON (SWE)

The penalty was a nightmare, it all went horribly wrong. I was aiming for the opposite corner. It's a long, long time since I missed a penalty. I don't care if one or two people try to blame me for our defeat. That's football. You can't get upset about refereeing decisions. You have to make it count out on the pitch.

Freddie LJUNGBERG (SWE)

I'm pretty frustrated about getting knocked out. We played far too deep this afternoon.

Erik EDMAN (SWE)

The Germans started well. We were too passive, and the result was we were two down early on. We let them pen us back in our own half. The sending-off made it very difficult for us, we had to run that much harder.

Niclas ALEXANDERSSON (SWE)

We gave it everything, but Germany were the better team today. They were quick and precise. It was certainly very impressive.