PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

In less than 30 days some of the top countries in women’s football will be competing for the right to be called European champions. The championships in Finland will play host to some of the biggest names in women’s football. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the next few weeks leading up to the start of the Championships.

SWEDEN




Ranked no2 in Europe and no4 in the world. Sweden have graced the top of women’s soccer from the very beginning. Known for their physical play they regularly finished at the top end of tournaments.
Sweden were the first team to win the European Championships back in 1984. Runners-up three times.
This year coach Thomas Dennerby has had to reshuffle his side as many players had retired. Top striker Hanna Ljunberg, midfielder Frida Ostberg and GK Caroline Jonsson are all gone.
Captain Victoria Svensson is still going strong and other players have filled the void.
In qualifying for the championships Sweden won all 8 matches without conceding a goal.
This year in preparation for the championships they have won all their games played. They have beaten Brazil, Germany and the USA amongst others. The latter in the Algarve Cup to win the tournament.
With a strong domestic league in the Damallsvenskan, the future is bright for Sweden and they will be trying their hardest to take on the Germans.



Lotta Schelin (Key Player)

Schelin has become Sweden’s go to player. Tall , strong and technically gifted Schelin has become one of Europe's best strikers. A knack for putting the ball in the back of the net with both feet and by her head, Schelin has scored 30 goals in 64 caps for Sweden.
Played in the Damallsvenskan league with Gothenborg FC scoring 116 goals from 154 games.
Moved to French club Olympique Lyon in August 2008 where she won the French league title and the league cup. 24 goals in 22 appearances .It’s not hard to see why the WPS came calling for her.
Schelin has expressed an interest in playing in the WPS at some point, but first things first. If she turns it on in the Euro’s there will be more clubs clamouring for her signature.




Kosovare Asllani (Fresh Face)

20 year old attacker Asllani has played in all of Sweden’s 8 matches in 2009. Not looking out of place against Brazil, Germany and USA she has cemented a starting position for Sweden in midfield even though she is a forward player for club side Linköpings FC. Coach Thomas Dennerby has been impressed with the calm play Asllani brings to his team.
With pace and controlled technique Asllani has proven a good support player to Lotta Schelin and Victoria Svensson. With 10 caps in the bag Asllani is looking to get a goal in her first big tournament.