Neighbours chase Olympic dream

Denmark and Sweden were both disappointed to exit the FIFA Women's World Cup in the group stage but they have a chance of redemption as they play off for Europe's remaining place in the 2008 Olympic tournament, starting with the first leg tonight in Viborg.

Rematch
More than 5,000 fans are expected at the new home of the Danish national team, with the prize a chance to join world champions Germany and fourth-placed Norway in another Chinese campaign next year, quarter-finalists England having been ineligible to take up UEFA's remaining berth. Sweden have the edge over their neighbours in recent times, not least a hard-fought 2-1 friendly win just before the World Cup, but Denmark coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller is taking that game as cause for optimism. "We can definitely use that match in our preparations for the Olympic play-offs," he said. "I think the match showed that we can beat Sweden - but also that they are still a team we should have the greatest respect for."

Midfielder hopeful
Heiner-Møller has a full-strength squad, with experienced midfielder Anne Dot Eggers expected to overcome a leg injury suffered in their recent 1-0 UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying win in Scotland. She said: "I have been told by the doctors that the injury will heal quite fast with rest, so I expect to be able to play on Thursday."

Respect
Sweden missed out on Olympic bronze in a play-off against Germany four years ago in Athens, but do have the example of their men to look to, having taken gold in London in 1948 with a team containing Nils Liedholm, who died this week. Coach Thomas Dennerby has full respect for their rivals tonight, but is looking to his side's experience of big occasions. "They're a very good team, but so are we and we believe we can handle the situation," he said. "We've been involved in decisive games a bit more often than Denmark and hopefully we'll benefit from that."

Preparations
Dennerby's squad have been in Denmark since Monday with the domestic season having finished, and will gather for a week before the return in the return on 28 November in Stockholm as well. "The main problem we had during the World Cup was keeping calm and focused when we had the ball," the coach said. "We must be more patient and the best way of learning that is to train together and get everyone aware of what they have to do." Hanna Ljungberg will hold the key to their chances up front, and she declared: "It's very, very important that we succeed. For the women's team and for Swedish football"