Trailblazer Sundhage predicts thrilling finals

Few observers are better-place to cast their eye over the prospects for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ than Pia Sundhage.

Trailblazer
Not only did she convert the penalty that won Sweden the first UEFA European title in 1984 in a shoot-out in England, she also played in the 1987 and 1995 finals and scored 71 goals in 146 national-team appearances. In her current position as 2008 Olympic gold-winning United States coach she has led her team against many of the leading contenders for the European finals running from 23 August until 10 September in Finland, most recently losing to her native Sweden in the Algarve Cup final, just as in 1984 on penalties.

Favourites
So who does she see as favourites this summer? "Well, Germany of course – they have won many European Championships, so they will be a good team," Sundhage told uefa.com. "But I know what's going on in Sweden, so I think they have a great chance of playing in the final as well. And recently we played against Denmark – they have a very interesting team, they seem to be very comfortable on the ball, and they can adjust their attack."

Unpredictable
However, Sundhage also points to Norway's tradition and England's recent emergence, emphasising how increasingly open the tournament is. "I think that's a strength of women's soccer," she said. "If you go back to the 2007 World Cup or the 2008 Olympics, you can say pretty much the same – there are more teams at the top, the performances are really good. So it's harder to predict who will be the winner, compared to 1991, '95, '96 – you have more teams up there now."

First final
The first team up there were Sweden on 27 May 1984 in Luton, and Sundhage will never forget their historic triumph. "I remember first of all the semi-final against Italy," she said. "Actually I have it on tape, and it's just fantastic. We played at home in Sweden and we won 2-1. Then the final of course – the first leg was at home in Gothenburg, and we won 1-0 – and I had a diving header, I keep that on my iPod! Then of course going back to England – for me it's a fantastic moment in my life, and I will always remember the games against England."

Growth
The UEFA European Women's Championship is now a 12-team event with widespread media coverage, and Sundhage has watched its evolution with interest. "When I was six years old, I didn't know that women liked to play soccer – I was playing with boys," Sundhage said. "Then when I started to play in the league in Sweden, and played my first international game, against England in 1975, I thought, this is pretty cool! When I was little I couldn't imagine what would happen. But the best part is, I think it will be even better – so much better. We will have so many more professional players in the next ten years."

To read more 1984 memories from Sundhage, click here.

Tickets for the finals in Finland are on sale now, for details click here.