Group 2: Denmark savour Swede success

Denmark maintained their chances of qualifying for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup in China after they defeated Sweden 2-1 to record their first victory against their great rivals since 1994.

Danish dominance
With the knowledge that a 4-0 win would see them qualify automatically for the Far East, the Danes seized the initiative from the start. Despite enjoying the majority of possession during an entertaining first half, however, the hosts lacked a final decisive touch which could have seen them cash in on their dominance.

Unlikely lead
Denmark began the second half as they started the first but it was Sweden who struck first, Malin Anderssson converted a penalty after Katrine Pederson had felled Jane Törnqvist. The Danes refused to buckle and restored parity with 15 minutes remaining when Lene Terp rose above the Swedish rearguard to head in a Gitte Andersen cross.

Fightback completed
A terrific fightback was completed three minutes from time when Andersen once more turned provider - this time for Cathrine Paaske whose bullet header left Caroline Jönsson helpless to spark off local celebrations. "I am very pleased with our performance today," said Denmark coach Poul Højmose. "We followed our gameplan to perfection and should have been leading at the break."

World Cup permutations
If Finland manage a home draw with Sweden on 26 June then Denmark will advance to the World Cup as the winners of Group 2. If the Swedes are victorious they will qualify for China courtesy of their 4-1 defeat of Denmark in Malmö last September, with the Danes facing a summer two-legged play-off against France for the final World Cup berth.