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Sweden hopes to take next step against Aussies

Jul 10, 2011 - 12:06 AM Augsburg, Germany (Sports Network) - Sweden finished the group stage unbeaten for the first time in six World Cups, and now turns its focus to Australia in the quarterfinals Sunday with its first title still the target.

Despite qualifying for every World Cup, Sweden has never lifted the World Cup trophy, with an overtime loss to Germany in 2003 being its nearest miss.

But after winning Group C with a 2-1 win over the United States on Wednesday, the Swedes head to Impuls Arena in Augsburg, Germany to face the Aussies with the chance to return to the semifinals for the third time in their history.

After Japan shocked two-time defending champion and host Germany on Saturday, Sweden may not have a better opportunity to return to the final. If it can get past the Aussies. The Sweden-Australia winner plays Japan in the semis.

Sweden also reached the 1991 semifinals, and eventually finished fourth. And, after failing to advanced past the group stage four years ago, the Swedes can make a statement that they remain one of the elite teams in the world.

After three solid, although unimpressive wins, in group play, it would not be a surprise to see Sweden advance.

Sweden opened with 1-0 wins over Colombia and North Korea, then edged the U.S. on goals from Lisa Dahlkvist and Nilla Fischer. And that win came with captain and midfield general Caroline Seger suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.

"I think the game was one of the best of the tournament so far. This game was not so important concerning the tournament, but for us it was important to win to gain more confidence," Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby said.

"Now we have to focus on Australia. We have watched their games and now we have to get together and find a strategy against that team."

Australia lacks the credentials of Sweden, but after Kyah Simon scored twice in a 2-1 win over Norway to send her side back to the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament, the Aussies are starting to catch up.

After a 1-0 loss to Brazil in its opening match, Australia defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-2 and Norway. With sparkplug Lisa De Vanna - who scored four goals in the last World Cup - once again causing problems, Australia is a threat.

Norway led the match against Australia, but Simon answered the goal within one minute and added the winning goal late in the match, although Australia would have advanced with a draw.

"It was a really tough match," Aussie coach Tom Sermanni said. "The key moment of the game was when we scored almost immediately after falling behind - it brought us right back into it at a critical time."

And with its only loss coming against Brazil, Australia could be on the verge of its first spot in the semifinals.

"Finishing the group stage with a victory will give us a real confidence boost ahead of the next round," Simon said. "Reaching the quarterfinals is becoming a bit of a nice habit for this team.

"Our next game will definitely be hard, but we're well prepared for it."