Mellow Moström eyes success

By Kevin Ashby in Accrington

Looking at cows may not appear to be ideal preparation for a UEFA European Women's Championship encounter, yet captain Malin Moström insists relaxation is every bit as important as regular training if Sweden are to be successful in England.

First win
The 29-year-old knows all about going the distance with Sweden having played in the final of this competition in 2001 and the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, and will hope to go one better this time around. Sweden opened Group A with a 1-1 draw against great rivals Denmark and are confident of recording their first win when they tackle another Scandinavian side, Finland, in Blackpool on Wednesday.

Leafy surroundings
Moström took time out from lapping up the sun at Swedish headquarters in Accrington to speak to uefa.com. "It's really nice here," she said, studying the leafy surroundings and pointing to a field of Friesians. "It is very quiet and peaceful which is the best preparation we can have. It helps everyone to relax and helps us to look forward to playing against Finland after not playing our best game against Denmark."

Open competition
Sweden last met Finland in October, drawing 1-1 away in qualifying. "We had some difficulties last time we played them," Moström continued. "But we know if we play quick football and press them they will have problems so we'll have to work very hard. I've been watching the games and it feels as if the competition is really open - almost every team is capable of qualifying for the semi-finals which is how it should be."

Marklund confident
Central defender Hanna Marklund is another who has played an integral role in Sweden's rise. She believes this team has the talent to finally land an international honour after two near misses, but only if Sweden "get the maximum out of every player". She said of Wednesday’s opponents: "Finland have improved a lot and their players coming to play in Sweden has helped that. Still, I think we should beat them if we play as we can."