ANNA Signeul was happy with her side’s never-say-die performance despite Sweden snatching a win through Caroline Seger’s header six minutes from time.

The Scots were on the rack for most of the game, yet came very close to denying the world’s sixth-ranked team in front of their home crowd.

“If it had been the Euros it would have been devastating that we didn’t go away with a point – but I think we achieved what we came here to do,” Signeul said.

“That was to stand up to Sweden and defend well.”

Gemma Fay was again in goal, which means her next cap will take her total to 200. Sweden made just one change to the side which lost 1-0 to World Cup holders USA in Gothenburg on Thursday, with Chelsea keeper Hefvig Lindahl returning from injury.

Sweden scorned three good chances to take the lead in the opening seven minutes, setting the tone for a first half which they totally dominated.

The Scots could barely get out of their own half but somehow survived a barrage of crosses.

Barsley, getting her third cap in successive matches, and Murray made good blocks to prevent the home side scoring.

The least worked player on the pitch was Lindahl, who barely touched the ball in the first half.

Jo Love replaced Corsie at the start of what was initially a much more even second half. 

The visitors finally got the sniff of a goal but Seger intervened to turn Caroline Weir’s free kick away for a corner.

Sweden mounted an all-out onslaught in the final 17 minutes. Seger hit the bar with a header but the goal arrived six minutes from time when Seger beat Howard in the air to head beyond Fay.