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Bilic: Sweden friendly is acid test for Ireland

"The Swedes are not identical to Ireland but they have many things in common, namely a vertically aggressive attacking style," Bilic told a news conference.

"Both teams are very good at set pieces and win most aerial battles against their opponents, meaning that we will have to match them every step of the way in terms of endurance, commitment and discipline.

"If we can do that, our individual quality should make the difference," said Bilic, who steered Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals.

"Some media have suggested the team picks itself and that naming the final squad is a mere formality but I can assure everyone here that it's not," said Bilic.

"No player in my team can take anything for granted, they can all either consolidate their positions in the pecking order or compromise them depending on their performances."

"Croatia are on the same level as England and France, I think they are among the world's elite and we are in trouble if our back four do not perform to the best of their abilities," said Hamren.

"Luka Modric is a world-class midfielder, he is their key player although they also have high-quality physical forwards who are prolific scorers," he added.