She became a Swedish hero in the premiere against the Netherlands. Jonna Andersson set the Swedish lead goal which in the end meant 1-1 and one point. Then she had to be replaced in the 71st minute, and was deemed unable to play against Switzerland on Wednesday.
– I did not worry. It was a feeling of tiredness and a cramp but nothing that I was worried about, but I know that it can come in the matches at the end, she says, and says that she is ready again for the final group game against Portugal in Leigh.
– I had a full workout yesterday so it feels good.
A new heat wave is on its way in over England. On Sunday, the temperature is expected to rise to 30 degrees in the northwestern parts of the country, with the highest degrees early in the evening when it is time for kick-off.
– The weather is not something we can influence. It’s about eating and drinking and preparing ourselves the way we can. And it is clear that it is incredibly important to do it when it gets warmer than it has been so far, says Jonna Andersson.
– Jonna Andersson scored Sweden’s first goal in the European Football Championship against the Netherlands.
Photo: Anna Gowthorne/TT
When Jonna Andersson was gone chose national team captain Peter Gerhardsson to move Magdalena Eriksson to the left back position, and play with Nathalie Björn and Amanda Ilestedt in the central defense. A decision that received criticism, as Eriksson had a hard time finding the right game in the passing game and Sweden was weakened in the game structure.
The pace of the 2-1 victory over Switzerland was slowed down by the fact that the game constantly stopped at throw-ins and free kicks. Portugal is also expected to want to prevent Sweden from having time to build up their game – and it is important for the Swedish part not to be caught up in their pace.
– It is important to start the ball quickly, keep it in play as much as we can, says Jonna Andersson.
The match will be decisive for Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals. At least one point is probably necessary for that to happen, but victory with many goals is preferable as it can mean that Sweden wins the group before the Netherlands and thus manages to avoid facing France (who will win group D) already in the first the playoffs.
– Jonna Andersson during the press conference before Portugal. Sweden chose to have training-free two days before the match, instead waiting for other activities and free time for the team.
Photo: Ludvig Thunman / Bildbyrån
– As long as we perform and do our job, I think we should be strong enough to beat the opponent we face. But it is clear that France is an incredibly good team, so you can avoid them, it is absolutely good, says Jonna Andersson.
– It will probably be a goal difference deal that will determine who comes first or second. But we must have full focus on Portugal and try to perform well and win. Then we will see who we will face in a quarter final.
Read more:
The quarter-finals are near – but Sweden wants to speed up the passing game
All scenarios – so Sweden goes on in the European Football Championship
Jonna Andersson on the top of form: “Has released the handbrake”
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