Sweden set for finals comeback

Considering Sweden's strength in the senior game, their recent record in the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship has been disappointing.

Back in the finals
Though they were U18 semi-finalists in 1998 and champions the next year, Swedenhave only reached the last four on one occasion since and did not even qualify in 2004 and 2005, though last year they were unfortunate to have to meet Germany for a place in Hungary and only lost 1-0. This time around they defeated Greece, Austria and 2004 champions Spain to reach the finals in Switzerland, and have been drawn in Group A for the finals, where they play Belgium, neighbours Denmark, and first up the Germans on Tuesday in Berne.

German test
Coach Calle Barrling is in his first season in charge, having worked in various technical roles for the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) since 1993, and has said he is pleased with how their preparations have gone, adding on the SvFF website: "We know Germany and Denmark as we have met them. Germany has we of course met twice the last six months [most recently drawing 0-0 in La Manga]. Moreover, we have information on video. Belgium on the other hand are entirely unknown for us. But we meet of course them in our last game and will have time to form a view."

Key players
Barrling will be without playmaker Lisa Dahlkvist through suspension against Germany, but can still call on the likes of winger Louise Fors and striker Johanna Andersson, who trains alongside Hanna Ljungberg at Umeå IK and has 15 goals at U19 level. Their most recent warm-up match was in Northampton at the end of last month when they lost 3-0 to a strong England team.