Stensland hails Norwegian spirit

Norway captain Ingvild Stensland has revealed that team spirit has been one of the key factors in her team's progress against the odds into the last four of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™, as they prepare for today's semi-final against Germany.

Super spirit
The 28-year-old was named Carlsberg Player of the Match as Norway surprised many people with a 3-1 victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals and told the UEFA Training Ground that the togetherness in the camp is a big reason for their success. "We have a great spirit in the team. We have a lot of players now who have come into the group and along with the coaches everyone feels like one big group. We are really happy and work hard every day. We know that if we work hard we can reach our goals."

Tips for success
A member of the Norwegian side that were runners-up in the last European finals in England, Stensland is the latest player to feature in the Training Ground's 'In Focus' series. Click here to find out about how she started out in the game and why Ruud Gullit was her childhood hero, as well as her tips for success for all budding future defensive midfield stars.

Grassroots schemes
On the Training Ground you can also find out about some of the grassroots schemes that have been set up by the Football Association of Finland during UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™. Click here to watch our feature on the Zest Funball event that took place in Tampere, involving youngsters from all over the region, and keep watching for more videos including an insight into the referees at the tournament.