Sweden heroes reflect on feat

By Paul Saffer in Blackburn

Needing to win your final group game against tournament hosts to go through would be a daunting task for most teams, but for Sweden, safely ensconced into the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ last four, it is all in a day's work for the finalists from four years ago.

Three points required
Versatile full-back Kristin Bengtsson and striker Victoria Svensson both played in the 2001 decider, and were again in action as their nation claimed an early goal in Blackburn against England and held on for a 1-0 win that took Sweden to the top of Group A and left the hosts out of the tournament. A draw, and it would have been Sweden checking out of their hotel.

Positive approach
The experienced Bengtsson epitomised the positive approach Sweden took, always looking to push forward on the wings. And she revealed that had always been the plan even if they scored in the opening stages.

'Kept attacking'
"We had to win, so of course we had to attack," she told uefa.com. "We just thought of going forward the whole game. If we get frightened, it becomes difficult to keep the lead. So we kept attacking and we even had more chances to score."

'Better team'
Svensson, Bengtsson's colleague at club level with UEFA Women's Cup finalists Djurgården/Älvsjö as well as Sweden, did, however, praise their back-line. "We won 1-0 - that's enough," she said. "England defended well, but we also have good defenders and we were the better team today, so we are happy!"

Finnish surprise
Having been held by Denmark and Finland in their opening games, it seemed Sweden would not end up in first place in the pool as predicted. But Finland's surprise 2-1 victory against Denmark ensured that they joined the Swedes in the last four - with Bengtsson, Svensson and co top by a single point.

'Group winners'
"We had two draws, and now we are group winners," Bengtsson said. "And Finland are second, so that is perfect for us." Svensson added: "I am a little surprised to end top, but we said to Finland on Friday - 'if you win, we win!' so that is good."

'Relaxed atmosphere'
But then, as Svensson pointed out, Sweden have a habit of coming through these vital last group games, a 3-0 win against North Korea on their way to the FIFA Women's World Cup final two years ago a came in point. The forward said: "It has been a relaxed atmosphere, because we have been in this position before. We knew we had to keep on working, and that is what we did today. In 2003 we lost against US then won the next two group games."

'Neck problem'
Bengtsson departed the field 15 minutes from time, and although she is not a doubt currently for the last four, she admitted the substitution was not planned. "I had a neck problem and couldn't see clearly," she revealed. "So I came off and Karolina [Westberg] was very good, I know we have a good bench so I was not afraid that we were going to lose."

Extra rest day
Now, as group winners, Sweden can wait an extra 24 hours for their semi-final against the Group B runners-up on Thursday in Warrington, a day after Finland meet the other pool victors. "I am happy we have an extra day before the next game," Bengtsson said. "The team worked really hard today and we will be prepared for the semi-finals."