As in the final group stage match against Portugal, Seger reluctantly had to take a leadership role in the quarter-final at Leigh Sports Village. The heel injury she suffered against Switzerland last Wednesday still keeps her out of action, and against Belgium she wasn’t fit enough to even make a substitute appearance.
The day before the match, she still couldn’t train fully.
Discussed late entry
— The status is that I take steps all the time. I had hoped to be able to join today, but it had not worked out. And I want to be able to do a full training session first, so that I do myself and the team justice, says Seger.
Sweden defeated Belgium 1–0 in the quarter-finals after Linda Sembrant scored in extra time. Had the match gone to extra time, Caroline Seger would possibly have been eligible for a throw-in before a penalty shoot-out.
— We discussed it, but luckily it didn’t quite come to that. If I had to, I would of course have done it, but today this was the right decision. Now I get a few more days, says Seger.
232 international matches
The 37-year-old midfielder has played 232 A-national matches, more than any other Swedish footballer. Perhaps the 233rd will come on Tuesday, when Sweden take on home nation England at Bramall Lane in Sheffield.
– We’ll see. We’ll see, says Seger.
— I hope I can be there these days now before the semi-finals.
The teammates have unanimously praised Seger’s way of stepping into a coaching role when she can’t play. But it’s not something she herself enjoys.
– It’s tough. I’m so used to being out there on the pitch and being able to make an impact. But I need to change my mind and do everything I can for everyone, so that they feel that support. Then how much it affects, I don’t know. But it’s not a situation I like.