Sweden prevail in Scandinavian shoot-out

An early goal from Tina Nordlund proved enough to give Sweden a 1-0 win over Denmark and a place in Saturday's final of the UEFA Women's European Championship where they will meet the hosts and title favourites Germany.

Missed opportunities
It was a game of missed opportunities, with star Swedish striker Hanna Ljungberg failing to add to her two goals in the competition so far and Denmark's Merete Pedersen missing three good opportunities. It means Sweden have the chance to win the title for the second time and avenge their defeat by Germany in the 1995 final.

New captain
A healthy portion of the Ulm crowd stayed on after the first semi-final to watch this duel between two more Scandinavian sides. Sweden head coach Marika Domanski Lyfors opted to replace the injured Jane Törnqvist with Theresa Lundin and also made a switch to the captain's position with Malin Moström stepping up ahead of Malin Andersson.

Hard pressed
Denmark were looking for their third successive victory though they were hard pressed in the early exchanges as the Swedes showed their hunger for the ball. They were ahead on nine minutes and what an eye-catching goal it was, the product of a superb reverse pass from Linda Fagerström which exposed the right side of Denmark's defence. The speedy Hanna Ljungberg was on to it in a flash and after she prodded the ball across the goalmouth, in came Tina Nordlund to score.

Handily placed
Ljungberg was then handily placed to finish off another incisive move but shot straight at the goalkeeper. Denmark responded immediately and with vigour, Gitte Krogh going desperately close though she had strayed just offside.

Strong drive
A strong drive from Krogh flashed wide as the Danes began to find their attacking rhythm. Merete Pedersen was sent clear behind the Swedish defence, but from an angle she hit her shot straight at Caroline Jönsson. The Denmark keeper, 18-year-old Heidi Johansen, distinguished herself with a flying save to deal with a powerful cross shot. Ljungberg's speed was always a worry to the Danes and she was first to the ball to test Johansen again.

Amazing let-off
The Danes had an amazing let-off in the 36th-minute when Ljungberg, close enough to shake hands with the keeper, did not connect properly with the ball and Johansen made the block. However the threat was not yet averted, Katrine Pedersen having to clear off the line as the follow-up shot came in.

Player of the match: Malin Moström (Sweden)