Nathalie Bjorn admits Sweden are at 'amazing' Aviva to win

If there is a flip side to the Republic of Ireland playing at the Aviva Stadium, it's that the slick Lansdowne Road venue is too nice.

Certainly Sweden won't be shaking in their boots when they walk out in front of an anticipated 30,000 fans tonight. Peter Gerhardsson's world number six-ranked side thoroughly enjoyed their pre-match training session on Thursday, widely complimenting their surrounds ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifier.

"It is amazing," said Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn of the stadium.

"I spoke with Courtney (Brosnan, her old Everton teammate) after they played here in the last camp and she said that the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. I'm really lucky to be able to play here and experience that atmosphere.

"For the women’s game, it’s good. We’re growing more and more in how we are playing in the men’s stadiums and then starting to sell them out too. That’s what we deserve so I’m really looking forward to the game tomorrow."

Captain Kosovare Asslani was similarly smitten with "a beautiful stadium", and the challenge for Ireland is to make sure their illustrious opponents don't enjoy themselves too much once the action starts.

Ireland need to make this game ugly; a scrappy, disjointed battle.

Having collided during qualification for the 2023 World Cup, the two countries know each other well - and from Sweden's point of view, the main threat is obvious.

"Of course Katie McCabe," said Bjorn. "We all know and you all know she plays for Arsenal and is a good player. But there are also other good players in this Ireland team, Leanne Kiernan at Liverpool. She has been troubled with injuries but she is really good.

"I feel like we have to win tomorrow."

"Denise O’Sullivan is also a very, very good player. I think there