Great Britain's women were held to a 0-0 draw by Sweden in Middlesbrough for their first warm-up match ahead of the Olympic Games in London.
The Brits struggled in the early stages of the first half with Sweden looking to break on the counter with every opportunity, which almost caused damage for Hope Powell's side.
The Swedes should have been a goal to the good in the first 20 minutes after Casey Stoney gifted the ball to Sofia Jakobsson, who launched a sweeping pass to Caroline Seger, who was in the box but failed to find the net from 10 yards.
Powell's women managed to settle as the half progressed and began creating more chances, with one particular opportunity coming from Stephanie Houghton. Ellen White set up her teammate from 20 yards out, which prompted Houghton to try a powerful shot towards goal but it skimmed over the bar.
Kelly Smith came into her own in the first half, with some impressive trickery, which almost led to an opener, but her strike drifted wide, leaving both sides goalless on the 40-minute mark.
The second half began with both sides creating chances but it was Sweden who were close to getting the first goal following a surging run from Lisa Dahlkvist, who launched a 20-yard shot which was picked up by Great Britain keeper Rachel Brown.
Neither side were able to force through an impact midway through the second 45 minutes, with the ball rarely being moved out of midfield as both teams struggled to find some inspiration.
Team GB had the chance to snatch the breakthrough after a superb pass from Karen Carney came out of nowhere to find Rachel Yankey, who slammed her shot into the woodwork and came achingly close to taking the lead but it wasn't to be.
Danielle Joynson
