Larsson sets Swedish goal standard

Sweden striker Henrik Larsson is hoping attack dominates defence at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, telling uefa.com: "People want to be entertained and scoring a goal is the best entertainment there is." Having played over 100 matches for Sweden, the 37-year-old will be keeping a keen eye on the progress of his nation's U21 side this month as the next generation of stars showcase their talent in Sweden. The Helsingborgs IF striker and tournament ambassador knows just what it takes to realise potential after starring for the likes of Celtic FC, FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC, and is confident a youthful Sweden side will deliver on their promise after being drawn in Group A alongside Belarus, Italy and Serbia.

uefa.com: What can we expect in Sweden? 

Henrik Larsson: We are going to see tomorrow's stars. I'm sure we're going to have one or two players who will break through and make their mark on the tournament and be very good players in the future in the big leagues around Europe.

uefa.com: What are Sweden's chances and who are their biggest rivals?

Larsson: It's a great tradition that the hosts always do well. They have a big chance, but I don't think there is much difference between the teams here. There are a few with bigger names, but once you're here you still have to play the games. Sweden are a talented team and I don't want to put any pressure on them. If they do what they set out to do and try to achieve their goals, everyone will be happy that they go as far as possible. The strength of Swedish teams down the years has been the collective and for Sweden to play well in this tournament, we need a strong collective with room for the individual to express themselves.

uefa.com: Does playing at home put added pressure on Sweden or can it only help?

Larsson: It will help. They are not in a strange environment. Friends and families are going to be close by. Between games you have to live as normally as possible and where can you do that if not in your own country?

uefa.com: What is the key to building a harmonious squad during a tournament like this?

Larsson: First and foremost, you have to have respect for each other and work towards the same goal. If you do that and have a great comaraderie there is no problem. The most important thing is that everybody is aware of what we're aiming for. What do we want to achieve? If we don't have any goals then we might as well stay at home. You have to have ambitions, you have to have the urge to go out and try to win every game. Then you see how far you can go. If you meet a better team along the way, you must be able to say 'We lost against a better team'. You can't ever give up. You have to fight all the way.

uefa.com: Is there any match in particular you are looking forward to? Sweden against Italy perhaps?

Larsson: That's going to be a very tight game. Italy are known for the way they play defensively and Sweden are not bad at that either, but I'm looking forward to all the games because I want to see modern football. We have a lot of pace all over the park. You are looking to score goals and I hope it is going to be a good tournament in that respect. You mustn't forget people want to be entertained and scoring a goal is the best entertainment there is.

uefa.com: How important is a tournament like this for a young player's development?

Larsson: It is very important for the future. The U21s are a road to the big team. It's important to get as much experience as you can to make it when it really counts when you make it to the big team. To know what it's like to play in tournaments like a European Championship or the World Cup, what you need to do to be able to perform under pressure. It's a very good place to start, so you know what to expect. To grow into a superstar is a big step to take. There are a few players that can do it. You have to perform in the big games in the group stages, quarter-finals or semi-finals and final. That's when you show yourself and others what type of player you are.