Ukraine vs. Sweden: Date, Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

It’s time for the gloves to come off.  Let the battle for glory begin.

The Euro 2012 tournament kicks off in the Ukraine this Monday.  Host team Ukraine takes on Sweden in this group stage matchup. These two teams will vie for the richest prize in the soccer world.

Both teams are anxious and hungry to become victorious in their confrontation. But only one will win.

Where: Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Kiev, Ukraine

When: Monday June 11, 2012 at 7:45 p.m. ET

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Home field advantage

Ukraine could not have picked a better time to make their Euro 2012 debut.

It will be their first appearance in the tournament.  They are counting on their veteran players such as forward Andrey Voronin to gel with young midfielders Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Playing in front of your home country can be overwhelming. However, they should be extra motivated to play in front of their home crowd.

Swedish effort

Despite Ukraine’s seemingly overwhelming advantage, Sweden has history in the tournament where the Ukraine does not.

Sweden scored all ten of their qualifiers for Euro 2012. They’ve scored more goals in eight games.  Sweden also had their substitute players score seven goals, which is the most by any other teams in the tournament.

They’ve also won the last two Euro opening games, beating Bulgaria 5-0 in 2004 and Greece 2-0 in 2008.

Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom set up seven goals in the qualifying round, the most of any player.  It makes sense considering they shoot first and defend later. Despite shoddy defense, Sweden controls the offensive side of the field. 

Even ground

Both teams have the same record going head-to-head with one victory apiece last year. This glorified rubber match has more on the line than their previous friendly matches ever did. 

Prediction: Sweden 2-1

Too many questions mar Ukraine’s chances. Will the veteran Voronin play for his country like his performance in Dynamo Moscow? Will those youngsters live up to their potential? Can their defense stop this ruthless Swedish offense?

Expect that Swedish offense to overwhelm the Ukraine and take the first-round matchup in this Euro 2012 opener.