Playmaker plots Norway's progress

By Paul Saffer & Kevin Ashby in Preston

Playmaker Solveig Gulbrandsen believes the Norway midfield could hold the key to victory against Sweden in tonight's UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ semi-final in Warrington.

Forward surges
The 24-year-old has been one of Norway's most influential players in England, her energy, guile and forward surges from the centre of the pitch and link-up play with Dagny Mellgren consistently catching the eye. Gulbrandsen knows she will have to excel once more if the Norwegians are to overcome great rivals Sweden and reach their first final since claiming Olympic gold in Sydney five years ago.

'Good strikers'
She told uefa.com: "Norway against Sweden is always a good game and this should be no different. They're a tough side to beat but we've made it so far that anything can happen. They've got good strikers and are strong all round but I think maybe their midfield is not at its strongest at the moment."

Explosive football
Despite winning Group A, Sweden have been criticised in their homeland for not playing the sort of explosive football which saw them reach successive European and FIFA Women's World Cup finals. In contrast, Norway are being heralded for exceeding expectations. "I don't think many people expected us to get to the semi-finals as everyone was talking about Germany and France so we're really happy," Gulbrandsen said.

On target
Norway lost their opening match 1-0 to Germany and were on their way out of the competition until 16-year-old Isabell Herlovsen came on to salvage a 1-1 draw against France. Gulbrandsen was then on target in the 5-3 defeat of Italy, a suitable reward for her outstanding displays. "I had so many chances [in other games] so it was nice to see one finally go in," she said.

'Another dimension'
Herlovsen started the Italy victory at the expense of one of Gulbrandsen's fellow Olympians, Unni Lehn, and coach Bjarne Berntsen may again have to decide whether to plump for youth or experience against Sweden. "Isabell added another dimension against Italy but in the other games we wanted to be more defensive so had Unni there," Gulbrandsen said. "You have to pick the right players for the right matches and I think we have done that so far."

Husband's support
The Kolbotn IL midfielder is also enjoying her time in the spotlight. "In Norway we don't get too much media attention so we have to enjoy it as much as we can while we can," said Gulbrandsen, who is getting close support from her husband in England. "He's my biggest fan of course, but also a critic and it's great to talk football with him." Especially if Norway keep winning, of course.