Domanski-Lyfors in upbeat mood

Chance of victory
In Group A, Sweden begin against Scandinavian rivals Denmark before playing hosts England and first-time finalists Finland. Coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors, whose side also missed out on an Olympic bronze medal to Germany, admitted to uefa.com that her team are in with a real chance of victory.

uefa.com: How do you feel about being among the favourites to succeed in England?

Marika Domanski-Lyfors: I think there are many favourites but we have played some good championships in recent years and have reached the final of both this competition and the World Cup. We hope to reach another final here but we have to compete at a very high level because I think this will be the best European Championship ever.

uefa.com: Are you happy with the draw?

Domanski-Lyfors: Both groups are tough. We know what it means to play against the hosts, that's always a hard game, Finland are our rivals and Denmark are perhaps one of the best teams in the world now, as they proved by beating the United States late last year. It's a very open group.

uefa.com: Will England be harder opponents than usual as they will have a passionate home support behind them?

Domanski-Lyfors: I think so, yes. I also think that England have had four years to build up a good team and we always know they'll be a tough team to play in their country.

uefa.com: You will face some difficult teams ahead of the start of the tournament in June. How will that help your preparations?

Domanski-Lyfors: We will meet the best we could meet in Europe in Germany and Norway as well as China at the Algarve Cup. After that we have home games against Denmark, the Netherlands and Canada to conclude our warm-up.

uefa.com: You obviously have quality players in every position but are there any players we should look out for?

Domanski-Lyfors: I hope they will be fit and not injured like they were before the Olympics as Hanna Ljungberg and Victoria Svensson are important players. In midfield we have Malin Moström and Karolina Westberg is a quality defender. It remains to be seen which goalkeeper we will pick but I think we have good ones too.

uefa.com: Do you think you can win the tournament?

Domanski-Lyfors: I hope so. If we have a bit of luck and compete at a high level then we will have a chance. I hope we take it this time.