06HLPA_MatchPreview
Helsingborg look for UEFA Cup berth against PSG
Helsingborgs IF finished off the Swedish season in style with a 4-1 home win over Örgryte IS to clinch second place and an automatic UEFA Cup berth for next season. On Wednesday they look for the win
in the UEFA Champions League which would give them a third place finish in Group F and a ticket to this year's UEFA Cup.
That ambition might have been helped by the fact that Paris St Germain FC have definitely qualified although there is good reason for them to go flat out. A slip by FC Bayern München in their game in Norway could enable the French team to take over top spot.
PSG are experiencing a losing streak in the French league following their 7-2 thrashing of Rosenborg BK. They lost 2-1 at home to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and away at AJ Auxerre by a single goal where coach Philippe Bergeroo made five changes, all in defence and midfield. Defender Jimmy Algerino, who has a pulled thigh muscle, and playmaker Stephane Dalmat, hurt against Auxerre, are doubtful.
Helsingborg are hoping that their domestic effort won't work against them in the tie. If they win and Rosenborg go down then the Swedish side finish third "I hope it didn't take too much out of us," said veteran defender Roland Nilsson of his last Swedish league match before retirement.
Wednesday's game could represent Nilsson's final international fixture. If Helsingborg are eliminated from all European competition it will bring an end
to a long and successful career including 116 internationals for Sweden, a UEFA Cup triumph with IFK Göteborg in 1987; a League Cup win at Wembley with Sheffield Wednesday, a couple of Swedish league and cup wins, plus participation at two World Cups and two European championships.
Against Örgryte Jozo Matovac put Helsingborg ahead and later goals came from Alvaro, Hans Eklund and Rade Prica. The match marked the return of team captain Ulrik Jansson, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Christoffer Andersson had to withdraw at the beginning of the second half, complaining about chest pains and breathing problems. He was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that he had suffered a punctured lung and will be out for at least four weeks.
Alvaro has blossomed since the summer break, scoring 12 goals in 14 games to claim fourth place in the scoring chart for the whole season. He will
probably return to Brazilian club America during the winter, though it has also been suggested that he might go on trial to Feyenoord, the club which
owns his negotiating rights.
07.11.2000
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