Any hope of goalkeeper Rami Shaaban representing his native Egypt will disappear on Thursday evening when he takes the field in Sweden's colors for the first time. Shaaban, who plays his football with Norwegian side Frederikstad, will make his Sweden debut in Thursday's friendly against Finland in Gothenburg, the Swedish FA announced on Wednesday. The 30-year-old guardian, who was born to Egyptian parents, was flirting with the Egyptian FA for around four years on the possibility of representing the national team. However, Shaaban finally chose to represent Sweden after being called up by coach Lars Lagerback for the 23-man squad traveling to Germany this summer, ruling out any chance to play for Egypt under FIFA's rules. Shaaban had joined Premiership giants Arsenal from Swedish side Djurgarden in 2002. He played three matches with Arsenal before breaking his leg in training and played for several small clubs after recovering. Shaaban joined first division Frederikstad in December and has given exemplary performances ever since. Sweden were drawn in Group B in the World Cup finals alongside England, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.
