It is no great surprise, as the Swedes have won this biennial event for the last six editions, having defeated Finland in the final on five of those occasions, and in every final since 2011.

The signs are strong for an exciting gold-medal match - the last two finals have seen Sweden beat Finland on a penalty shoot-out.

Sweden's 20-strong squad includes two goalkeepers, Alexandra Durling and Amanda Hill, and eight defenders in Stephanie Boberg, Moa Tschop, Klara Molin, Lisa Carlsson, Myra Aggestal, Iza Rydfjall, Ida Sundberg and Isabell Krantz.

The country's 10 forwards are Anna Wijk, Ellen Rasmussen, Johanna Hultgren, Sofia Joelsson, Moa Gustafsson, Cornelia Fjellstedt, Alice Granstedt, Emelie Wibron, Sara Steen and Amanda Delgado Johansson.

Switzerland, the only other country to be involved in any of the finals - they won in 2005 and were runners-up on three other occasions - will play hosts for this event for the third time.

During the nine days of this 12th edition of the Women's Championships, a total of 16 nations will play for the title.

All matches will take place in the two neighbouring arenas - Patinoires du Littoral and La Riveraine.

In tomorrow's opening matches, which precede the official opening ceremony, Finland play Poland at the Patinoires du Littoral and Japan will meet Denmark.

The hosts will play Germany after the Opening Ceremony at the Patinoires.