Käld keeping fingers crossed

By Sami Terävä

Finnish coach Michael Käld will be hoping for a bit of luck when the draw for the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship takes place in Manchester on Wednesday.

Semi-final ambition
Seven nations will be joining Finland in the draw - hosts England, holders Germany, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden - and they will be split into two groups of four. But Käld already has his sights set beyond the group stage. "At the very least, our goal in England is simple," he said. "We want to come back home proud and with our heads held high. We want to know that we have done our best. But our realistic goal is to make it to the semi-finals. For this we might need Lady Luck's helping hand in the draw."

'Better shape'
The Finns have just returned from a three-day training camp at the Eerikkilä Sports Institute, where players were put through their paces with a series of tests and drills - and Käld is pleased with his squad's physical condition. "Most players are already in better shape than they were at the same time in previous years," he explained. "I am satisfied with the results and I think we reached our goals."

'Good attitude'
After defeating Russia home and away in the qualification play-offs for WOMEN'S EURO 2005, the Finnish team is enjoying a higher profile than ever before - and their targets are set higher too. "During the three days, every player showed a good attitude and everybody worked really hard," he added. "Play-off success was something we were allowed to enjoy, but now it's over. Our aim is now fixed on England."

Spanish camp
By the time the Finns next gather for an international training camp, in Spain next month, they will know which three teams they must face in England in June. Until Wednesday, Käld will be keeping his fingers crossed.