Internationals: Mjelde relaxed about big opener
Chelsea Ladies Maren Mjelde expects her Norway team to play fearless football in spite of mounting pressure at the start of the UEFA Women’s European Championship.
A fixture of our WSL Spring Series success, the Norway captain was the first player to face the media at an official Euro 2017 press conference, with scrutiny intensifying before their Sunday afternoon tournament curtain-raiser against the hosts in Utrecht.
Pundits have often misjudged the potential of the Nordic side, who defied predictions when finishing runners-up at two of the past three Euros. The current generation, however, are not going under the radar thanks to plenty of attacking talent.
Despite being favourites to top Group A and not long odds to take home the trophy, Mjelde believes her developing side have nothing to lose in a wide-open competition. ‘I don't feel there is any pressure on us,’ she said. ‘Maybe we are a dark horse.’
The Bergen-born skipper can boast more than a century of international caps, spanning six major tournaments. She is getting used to her role as one of the old-timers in the squad and wants to encourage newer players to take each match as it comes.
‘We have a mix of experienced players and youngsters and will take it one game at a time,’ the 27-year-old explained.‘That way we’ll see how far we can go.’
Expectations are even greater for their opponents, of course, as the Netherlands contend with a competition in their own country. Yet, they will have 23,000 supporters behind them at Stadion Galgenwaard in the first of three sold-out group games.
Mjelde has yet to play competitively in Utrecht but she and her team-mates have conducted a full training session on the match surface. ‘The stadium looks good, the pitch too, and I can’t wait to get out there for the tournament.’
After starring as the Norwegians managed a 1-1 draw with France in a friendly last week, featuring a late equaliser from our Blues representative, Mjelde is relishing the chance to lead out her nation on the opening day on Europe’s biggest stage.
‘We're not used to playing in front of so many spectators, but that will motivate us more than it will scare us,’ she said with assurance. ‘We are ready.’
By Danny Wittenberg
