Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 10.08.82
Club: Viborg

Naming two goalkeepers with just a single international cap between them in a World Cup squad may be seen as something of a gamble, but it is a testament to the faith Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has in John Alvbage and Rami Shaaban that he has done just that.

Marginally the more experienced of the two at international level - despite being seven years younger than Shabaan - Alvbage made his Sweden debut as recently as January in the friendly against Jordan, impressing with a couple of sharp saves and a dominant display around his area.

The 23-year-old currently plays his club football for Viborg and has all the components needed to be a consistent international performer - if he can shift the seemingly undroppable Andreas Isaksson from the starting line-up.