Moström dents finalists' hopes
Monday, May 9, 2005
Article summary
Djurgården/Älvsjö's Swedish title defence took an early blow as they were defeated by European champions Umeå IK.
Article body
By Jan Juhlin
Djurgården/Älvsjö will enter the first leg of their UEFA Women's Cup final against 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam on the back of a defeat, having lost to the reigning European champions Umeå IK this weekend.
Run ended
Umeå have contested all three Women's Cup finals but were eliminated by Djurgården/Älvsjö at the quarter-final stage this year. They exacted a modicum of revenge by winning 1-0 against the European hopefuls in the third round of the 2005 Allsvenskan season, putting an early dent in Djurgården/Älvsjö's hopes of retaining the title.
Reflex action
Sweden midfield player Malin Moström scored the only goal in the 59th minute, ramming in a penalty after fellow international Sara Thunebro had handled in the area. "Anne Mäkinen fired in a powerful shot and as a reflex I put my hand up," said Thunebro. "I wasn't trying to stop the ball."
'Too naïve'
Despite a late surge, Djurgården/Älvsjö never really threatened Umeå's goal and coach Mikael Söderman was left to reflect on a disappointing result. "Our game is too naïve at times and we're unable to get the most out of our way of playing," he said. "There are a number of things to work on but we still believe in our style." The Swedish champions are at home against Potsdam on Sunday with the return in Germany the following Saturday.
