Sweden cruise past Switzerland

Sweden began their qualifying campaign to reach the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship in typically commanding fashion with a stunning 6-0 victory against Switzerland in Group 1 yesterday.

Moström opener
The opening exchanges of the encounter were keenly contested but once Sweden went ahead, through Malin Moström in the 28th minute, the Swiss were always going to find the going tough. Indeed, their task got positively gargantuan four minutes later when Victoria Svensson doubled the advantage, finishing off a flowing move.

In control
Sweden ensured they went into the break completely in control by scoring a third on the stroke of half-time through Linda Fagerström, whose swerving corner kick went directly into the net. The home team came out for the second half understandably relaxed but still managed another three goals through Hanna Ljungberg, Jane Törnqvist and Salina Olsson.

Lyfors delight
Sweden coach Marika Domanski Lyfors was delighted by the victory, which she claimed was not as easy as it appeared. "It was a tough start but now it feels fantastic," she said. "Switzerland are a good side and proved a hard nut to crack but the girls worked hard and we took advantage of free-kicks and corners, which is always good," she added.

Key showdown
Sweden face Italy, their chief rivals in this section, at home in their next game on 17 May, while Switzerland meet Serbia and Montenegro. Italy beat the former Yugoslavia 8-0 in the only other Group 1 game played to date.