Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic of FC Barcelona yesterday told the press that his side was not expecting an easy ride against Malta this evening.

He said the side was aware that they had obtained three valuable points from their match against Hungary in Budapest last Saturday. "Those three points have opened the way for us to maintain our challenge for the top place in Group One. We will not be underestimating Malta. In fact, we believe it will not be an easy match and will have to wait to see what happens on the field of play.

"We have to do our best to get the three points. That is our objective so that we will remain in contention for the automatic place in next year's finals," he said.

Asked how his move from Inter to Barcelona affected his performances. Ibrahimovic said he was still a bit far from being in the best shape. "I have only been one month in Spain. I need to play more to get accustomed with Barca's style of play. It is different from Inter - there is something new with every match we play. But at present, I am still working to get in my best shape. So I have to wait a few more weeks before being able to be in my best form," he said.

Ibahimovic also said that against Hungary on Saturday, the team had played better in the second half than in the first. "It is not the first time I have scored a crucial goal in the final moments of a match. I hope to be successful also in Malta," he said.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback also said it was important for Sweden to get the three points. "We have to win this match. After Saturday's win in Hungary, the picture is more positive and the chances of making it to the finals are better. But we still have to give our full respect to Malta. We have beaten them easily in the Gothenburg match, but now they have a different coach and I do not yet know his philosophy. I expect my team to dominate the match, but it will not be easy as Malta will defend with all their might," he said.

He confirmed that all his players are fit and at his disposal for today's match.