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Sundhage wants winning Sweden mentality

She won two Olympic golds as United States coach; now Sweden's Pia Sundhage hopes the US will be among her victims at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Pia Sundhage will lead Sweden in the World Cup for the first time
Pia Sundhage will lead Sweden in the World Cup for the first time ©Getty Images

Despite their prowess in women's football, Sweden have failed to win a major trophy since Pia Sundhage converted a penalty that gave them the very first European title in 1984.

Having led the United States to two Olympic golds as coach, Sundhage returned home to take over the Sweden team in 2012 and the following year reached the UEFA Women's EURO 2013 semi-finals as hosts. On Monday they kick off their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign in Canada against Nigeria, before facing the US four days later, a sequel to a group fixture in Germany four years ago where eventual bronze-medallists Sweden beat Sundhage's subsequent runners-up 2-1.

Sundhage shared her thoughts with UEFA.com about the US and their other group opponents, the opportunity for the sport in Sweden if they win and instilling an American mentality into her squad.