Sweden stave off Finnish threat

Sweden conceded the first goal of their 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship Group 1 campaign but still ran out winners in their encounter with Finland on Saturday.

Tougher challenge
Following a 6-0 win against Switzerland and a 5-0 triumph over Italy, Sweden found their Scandinavian neighbours a far tougher challenge and only closed out their 2-1 victory with Hanna Ljungberg's second-half goal.

First-half goals
Sweden had started well and went ahead from the spot on 29 minutes after Ljungberg was felled in the area by Finnish defender Pauliina Miettinen - Malin Andersson converted the penalty. But Finland were far from overawed and squared the game before half-time when Sanna Valkonen headed in an Anna Mäkinens free-kick.

Ljungberg winner
Ljungberg's tap-in after Linda Fagerström's deft flick put Sweden back in control but Finland had their chances to grab a share of the spoils, particularly in the dying minutes when Laura Kalmari hit the woodwork and Julia Uusmali could only turn the rebound over the bar.

'Passive defence'
Swedish coach Marika Domanski Lyfors was critical of her side after the game. "I'm pleased that we won the game but I'm disappointed with the performance," she said. "Our defence was very passive and that spread throughout the whole team. Finland proved today that they're a good side - you have to play at top level, otherwise you're in for a tough ride."