Battling Belgium stifle Swedes
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Article summary
Sweden 0-0 Belgium Both sides must win their final group games to reach the semi-finals after this goalless affair in Berne.
Article body
Fors run
After a slow start the Swedes began to create openings in the final ten minutes of the first half, with right-winger Maja Krantz once again proving a useful attacking weapon. She supplied a teasing cross that neither Johanna Andersson nor Ida Brännström could quite reach, while Louise Fors weaved her way into a shooting position but failed to hit the target.
Staying power
Belgium wilted in the second half of their opening game against Denmark, but the cooler conditions allowed them to display greater staying power to deny the Swedes. Kristien Elses had Belgium's best chance, running onto a Karen Meeus cross but firing wide first time. At the other end Sweden were frustrated, with only Lina Nilsson managing to test goalkeeper Sofie Van Houtven.
Saturday showdown
On the final whistle Belgium celebrated their first point of the competition, but they will need an even better performance to secure the win against Germany they need to keep their hopes alive, while Sweden take on neighbours Denmark on Sunday also knowing only victory will suffice.
Player of the match: Nathalie Junius (Belgium)
