Schelin savouring Sweden's shot at glory

Lotta Schelin is savouring the prospect of Wednesday's semi-final showdown with Germany in Gothenburg, but downplayed suggestions that Sweden go into the match as favourites to progress.

The irrepressible striker made a precarious start to UEFA Women's EURO 2013, having a penalty saved by Stina Petersen in the hosts' opening 1-1 draw with Denmark. Schelin swiftly regained her composure, though, registering a classy double in a comprehensive 5-0 defeat of Finland, before scoring Sweden's second as they swept aside Italy 3-1. Not content with her lot, the Olympique Lyonnais player made Iceland's net bulge twice on Sunday to take her tournament tally to five.

Pia Sundhage's charges are not solely dependent on the exploits of Schelin, however, having plundered 13 goals in four outings. Given that Germany have been comparatively goal-shy and tasted defeat at this tournament for the first time since 1996 against Norway in the group stage, there is substance in billing the hosts as pre-match favourites. And while Schelin recognises the strength in Sweden's ranks, she will not fall victim to complacency.

“They've won this competition five times in a row and barely lost a Women's EURO for years. I therefore do not think you can call us favourites," she said. "At the same time, we have been playing really well, so I am sure we will give them a really good game. But Germany are Germany and they have been winning for a long time.

"A sold-out Gamla Ullevi – in Gothenburg – against Germany. It will be a fantastic moment to savour," added Schelin, who leads team-mate Nilla Fischer by two in the race for the adidas Golden Boot. "My focus is entirely on the game and I am ready to give everything. Hopefully we will play to our potential and that will be enough to advance."