GERMANY OUT TO ‘BUG’ THE TREND Holders seek turnaround against Sweden who are hit by stomach illness History favours Hazard and Co.

Sochi, June 22: Sweden’s preparations for their World Cup clash against Germany have been hampered by a stomach bug that has prevented three players from travelling to Sochi. Coach Janne Andersson revealed that defenders Pontus Jansson and Filip Helander, along with midfielder Marcus Rohden, were left behind at the team’s tournament base further up Russia’s Black Sea coast in Gelendzhik to avoid any danger of the illness spreading.

However, the hope is that they will recover to come to Sochi in time for the match.

“We have split the squad. We didn’t bring them on the flight because we didn't know what had made them feel a bit queasy, but they will travel tomorrow,” Andersson said.

World Cup holders Germany face enormous pressure ahead of their second group match against Sweden, dubbed an “early final”, with Joachim Loew’s team knowing defeat on Saturday would effectively end their campaign.

The pre-tournament talk in Germany focused on the bid to become the first team for 56 years to retain the World Cup. But after a shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico, the four-time winners must beat the Swedes in Sochi to be sure of staying in the tournament.

Suddenly, the sweet taste of victory in Rio de Janeiro four years ago seems a long time ago. “Everyone is aware that this is our first ‘final’, it’s annoying that it comes so early, but it’s selfinflicted,” team director Oliver Bierhoff said.

An atrocious first-half display against Mexico stunned fans in football-mad Germany.

— AFP Germany vs Sweden on Moscow, June 22: Belgium take on Tunisia on Saturday with their eyes set on the knockout round of the World Cup but fearful that star forward Eden Hazard is set for another bruising encounter.

The Belgians want to win at the Spartak Stadium to avoid making their final group game against England on June 28 a make-or-break qualification affair. The Red Devils opened their account in Russia with a 3-0 win over Panama on Monday, when Romelu Lukaku netted twice, but Hazard was tightly marked and occasionally clattered by the Central American opponents.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez hopes the Chelsea player will not Belgium vs Tunisia on