It looked like Sweden and Spain would share the points in the Nations League premiere.
But after a dramatic finish in the final seconds, the WC gold medalists were able to grab all three points.
– It’s an empty feeling, it’s a really sad ending, says team captain Magdalena Eriksson in SVT’s broadcast.
During Friday, the Swedish national football team began its Nations League adventure after the World Cup bronze in Australia.
Before the match, most of the headlines had been about the scandalous kiss after the World Cup final and the chaos in the Spanish Football Association, which ended with the resignation of president Luis Rubiales.
The match between Sweden and Spain was the first for the latter after the events during the summer.
Sweden showed its support after the chaos
Before the match started at Gamla Ullevi, the Swedish team showed their support for the Spanish players. A banner with the text “Se Acabó” (Spanish for “it’s over”) and “Our fight is the global fight” was displayed in front of the cameras.
The sporting battle was an even affair. After goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who was highly praised after the summer’s championship, saved a dangerous shot after a quarter with many Spanish scoring chances, Sweden was able to grow into the match.
Team captain Magdalena Eriksson opened the scoring when she headed in 1–0 after 23 minutes of the match played. Spain were able to equalize before the half was over with a little help from the Swedish goalkeeper.
In the second half, both top nations created several dangerous situations. 22-year-old Eva Maria Navarro was substituted for Spain and splashed in a dream goal with twelve minutes left of regular match time. With her left foot, she nicely placed 1-2 in the cross.
Late penalty goal lowered Sweden
Five minutes later, Sweden responded by equalizing at 2–2 through Lina Hurtig. For a long time, the match looked like it would end in a draw, but drama in the closing seconds would change that fact.
Amanda Ilestedt was sent off after pulling down a Spanish player in the penalty area and Barcelona star Mariona Caldentey coolly slotted home the penalty.
Shortly after the 2–3 goal, the referee blew the match off.
– It’s an empty feeling, it’s a really sad ending, says team captain Magdalena Eriksson in SVT’s broadcast after the final whistle.
Sweden gets a chance to lick the wounds on Tuesday, when it’s time for the next Nations League match. Then Italy stands for the resistance.
Read more about the match and the Nations League at The soccer channel.