Marta ready to work for Umeå

The opening leg of the UEFA Women's Cup final yesterday was the first chance Umeå IK playmaker Marta has had to show her skills on the big stage since being named FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in December. She did so with aplomb, yet was unable to prevent a 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal LFC.

Opportunities missed
That result leaves Umeå with a huge task at Borehamwood next Sunday if they are to win the European trophy for the third time, having last been successful in 2004 when Marta inspired victory against 1. FFC Frankfurt. But despite some superb flicks, runs and tricks from Marta, her team lost and she told uefa.com: "We have had good opportunities, but we didn't score and that is what it is all about."

Second leg
As for her personal performance, she added: "I don't like it when we don't score, it doesn't matter what I do, it's whether or not we win. We knew that they were a good team, very solid. We will have to work hard over the next week and turn it on for the second leg. It will be good to show more spirit, not to be afraid, to show courage. And take our chances."

Coach's hope
Umeå coach Andrée Jeglertz believes Marta could be the key to that. "She is the best player in the world," he said. "When we had problems in the second half she was the one who kept the ball and created chances out of nothing. I always say she can change a game for us anytime and hopefully she will keep going and turn this game in our favour next week."