Sweden stay optimistic

Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby has remained positive despite losing a number of key players for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

'Big blow'
Speaking after naming a 21-woman squad bereft of Caroline Jönsson, Josefine Öqvist and Frida Nordin to travel to China, Dennerby said: "It's obviously a big blow to lose these players, but we have a strong squad and should be able to fight for medals.” Umeå IK's Madelaine Edlund and Djurgårdens IF FF's Linda Forsberg profited those injuries and are now determined to impress. "This is great," said Forsberg, capped once. "It's an adventure and I'll do my best to win a place in the starting XI. If not I'll support the other girls as well as I possibly can."

Ljungberg included
Legendary striker Hanna Ljungberg is also included despite continued injury problems. "Hanna is fighting her way back and we all know what she's capable of, so I'm in a good mood," Dennerby added. Ljungberg was among the squad that helped Sweden to the final four years ago; this time around they open against Nigeria in Chengdu on 11 September before further Group C fixtures against the United States and Korea DPR in a tough pool.

Sweden squad
Goalkeepers: Sofia Lundgren (AIK), Kristin Hammarström (Kif Örebro), Hedvig Lindahl (Linköping FC).

Defenders: Sara Thunebro (Djurgårdens IF FF), Stina Segerström (Kif Örebro), Sara Larsson (Linköping FC), Charlotte Rohlin (Linköping FC), Frida Östberg (Linköping FC), Hanna Marklund (Sunnanå SK), Anna Paulsson (Umeå IK), Karolina Westberg (Umeå IK).

Midfielders: Victoria Svensson (Djurgårdens IF FF), Linda Forsberg (Djurgårdens IF FF), Caroline Seger (Linköping FC) Nilla Fischer (Ldb Malmö FF), Therese Sjögran (Ldb Malmö FF) Therese Lundin (Ldb Malmö FF).

Strikers: Lotta Schelin (Göteborg/Kopparberg FC), Sara Johansson (Hammarby IF), Madelaine Edlund (Umeå IK), Hanna Ljungberg (Umeå IK).