Jónsdóttir predicts cool reception for Torres
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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Valur Reykjavík captain Katrín Jónsdóttir says that although her side trail ASD Torres Calcio 4-1 ahead of the second leg of their tie, the Sardinian side could find defending their lead tough in the cold of Iceland.
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Only four of the home sides in the UEFA Women's Champions League round of 32 second leg will go into Wednesday's ties behind on aggregate, but one of those, Valur Reykjavík, are hopeful of coming from behind.
Cup win
Valur lost 4-1 in Italy to ASD Torres Calcio last week, but on Sunday they completed the domestic double with a 5-1 Icelandic Cup final win against Breidablik – scoring four goals in extra time. Captain Katrín Jónsdóttir, knows they have a tough task against last season's Italian runners-up, but points out the difference between conditions in sunny Sardinia and wintry Iceland.
Tables turned
"We played against Torres in Italy after a very difficult journey and very little sleep, also it was very warm so there was no time to recover and we just had to go straight into the game," Jónsdóttir said. "Still I know we can beat Torres. Of course it will be difficult to win by three goals and we have to be at our best to do so but nothing is impossible. They are coming into a cold environment and are not used to it – also we will give our utmost in the game. The forecast is for cold conditions with rain or snow, which they are not used to."
Busy year
Jónsdóttir, a practising physician, has had an unusually hectic year with Iceland's participation at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ in addition to club duties, but the 32-year-old is still hoping to extend her season, even if her plans are unclear beyond this campaign. "We have been very busy, with a tight schedule, but I am lucky that the Valur and national coaches understand the importance of rest," she said. "We now go into this game against Torres, then there are two national-team games in October and hopefully two more UEFA games in November if we beat Torres. Then I will take a nice holiday and think over what I would like to do in the future."
