Think Of Sweden and you can't help but think of their superstar striker Hanna Ljungberg. With the retirement of a number of swedish stars , most notably midfielder Malin Mostrom , even more focus falls on players like Ljungberg.
Since taking her first bow on the international stage back in 1996 , the diminutive but powerful forward has lit up two World Cups , three Olympic tournamentd and three European Championships. A knockout blow suffered in the algarve Cup 2006 followed by a thigh injury looked set to threaten Ljungberg's dreams of a third World Cup apperance. But the 28 yr old, who plays for leading Swedish side Umea IK , has battled back to full fitness and is doing everything she can to stay that way. Here , she tells Fair Game about her plans for the future and her thoughts on Sweden's world Cup hopes.
We hear you have plans to start a health clinic in Umea , can you tell us about it ?
It is a dream I have always had. I started my education as a physiotherapist and am going to finish that when I stop playing football because I don't have time right now. We have started the clinic and we are going to offer healthcare for clubs and companies in Umea. It's a dream for me to have a clinic where you not only have a physiotherapist , you have a doctor and , maybe in the future , other professionals as well.
How do you feel about the season now that you are fit ?
I'm very much looking forward to it. I've been injured for almost one year. I'm working very hard to get there and I'm so happy that I'm able to play.
Are you hoping you will time your recovery just right for the world Cup ?
Of course , that's what I'm thinking about. I want to play football for more than one or two weeks in a row but I haven't done that for a very long time. It's frustarting when you so much want it in your heart and your brain and your body just won't let you. Hopefully this year I can be fit even more.
Have you thought how Sweden will get on in the World Cup ?[b]
We know we can achieve it , but we have to do a lot of work before and you have to have a bit of luck when you're there and not get injuries. Everything has to be just perfect! We had a great tournament the last World Cup and of course I'm hoping for one again , but you have to struggle hard to get there.
which new players should we look out for in the Swedish team ?
Lotta Schelin ( of Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC ) she is a young player and had a very good last year and hopefully she will take that next step internationally. she is going to be a very good player for us.
Were you surprised by Germany's loss of form in the recent Algarve Cup ?
I was Surprised , they haven't lost so many players either so I don't know. But Germany are always good in Championships and I think this World Cup there are going to be many good teams , it's getting better and better.
Will anyone benefit from the competition being held in China ?
It will benefit China. The home nation is always going far in Championships. I've never been to China myself. Sweden have been twice and I was injured both times.
Will it be strange to see former Sweden coach Marika Domanski Lyfors coaching the china team ?[/b]
It is going to be very special if we meet China I can tell you because I have played for Marika for I don't know how long - since I came to the national side in 1996 and she left last year - so I know her very well. She is a very nice person and I wish her all the luck , but not against us!
What will she bring to the china squad ?
Team spirit. she is very good at getting the best out of every player. She has a good sense of humour and her way of leading is a lot about feelings and communications so I don't know how she is going to manage that but I wish her luck. It is very brave of her to take this challenge.
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