VANCOUVER, Canada, June 17 : Swedish employers are bracing themselves for a slew of short-term absences as World Cup fever engulfs the country, with an analysis of the last two decades by government agency Statistics Sweden showing a sharp rise during major soccer championships. Famed for their work-life balance, many Swedish employees are expected to either start their lengthy summer vacations a little earlier than usual, or to take the odd day off during the World Cup to follow the action,