Sweden enjoy Mersey treat

By Kevin Ashby in Preston

Sweden spent a deserved day off yesterday visiting the shops, cafés and galleries of the Albert Dock in Liverpool, where a museum devoted to The Beatles is the star attraction.

Correct balance
The Swedes won a place in Thursday's second semi-final against Norway by defeating hosts England 1-0 in Blackburn on Saturday. If they are to return to Ewood Park for the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ final against Germany or Finland on Sunday, Marika Domanski-Lyfors knows she and her coaching team must find the correct balance between work and play.

Different focus
"We've reached our first milestone which was to qualify for the semi-finals, and preferably as group winners," said the coach. "After two weeks in England it was nice to enjoy a day off, so that the girls got to focus on something other than football for a change."

'Upper hand'
Norway have won 18 of their 37 matches against Sweden, losing just eleven, and Domanski-Lyfors feels the Norwegians "must be seen as favourites" for their eagerly-awaited tie in Warrington. "They've had the upper hand against us in previous games and deserve that tag," said the coach.

Hotel move
She concluded: "It'll be an even contest but we'll do our utmost to succeed. Everything looks good for Thursday and it should be a great game and bring a change of atmosphere." Like Group A runners-up Finland, Sweden left their base in Accrington yesterday for the tournament headquarters in Preston.