Sweden celebrate successful bow

Sweden celebrate successful bow
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Some days you can be forgiven for just wanting to stay in bed. Particularly if you have just been knocked out in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2010. However, this was certainly not the case with Sweden captain Emilia Appelquist.

"Today isn't a day for moping in bed - quite the opposite in fact," she said following her side's 2-0 last-eight defeat to Colombia on Saturday. "The atmosphere in the squad was very good. We just didn't have a very good day.

"We had a lot of fun. The tournament has been a great experience for all of us and we got a lot further than I think anyone would have expected," she continued. Indeed, after picking up seven points from three matches to top Group B, Calle Barrling's young side left highly-fancied Korea DPR and Brazil in their wake during a thoroughly positive FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup debut.

Unlikely strike duo
An Antonia Goransson brace saw the Swedes come back from 1-0 down to beat New Zealand in their opening match, before the Scandinavians drew 1-1 with Brazil. In the subsequent battle for first place, Sweden again came from behind to conquer 2006 champions Korea DPR by the odd goal in five.

Goransson played her way into the hearts of the cheering crowds with some exciting attacking displays alongside Sofia Jakobsson, with the former making a remarkable transition from wide player to striker at the tournament. "At the beginning it was a bit strange because Antonia normally plays on the wing, but we've built up an understanding," Jakobsson told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview. "Yes, it did surprise me that I was picked up front," agreed Goransson.

Acrobatic throw
The unlikely strike partners were unable to prevent Sweden's quarter-final exit, the 2-0 defeat to Colombia proving their only defeat and the only match in which they failed to score. "We lost the game in the first 25 minutes," said coach Barrling shortly after the match. "We weren't aggressive enough in defence, and when we did manage to get hold of it, we lacked the necessary prowess in attack. Colombia proved themselves to be tough opponents and they deserved the win.

One of the highlights of Sweden's Germany 2010 journey was Kristin Karlsson's acrobatic throw-ins, which involved a spectacular somersault to rival that of Brazilian defender Leah. "It's another great addition to women's football that makes it fun for the spectators to watch. It's also an excellent way for us to effectively turn a throw-in into a cross and cause a stir in the opposition defence," said Goransson.

Sweden impressed many observers with their exciting tactics, talented individuals and unshakeable team spirit. Fans will now be looking forward to seeing how many of the young Scandinavians can make it into their senior side for next year's eagerly anticipated FIFA Women's World Cup 2011, also on German soil.