Been sat here watching Sweden play Norway in football.
The game itself was much like the Algarve Cup match. Tight, scrappy in midfield and goals coming from some mistakes. Sweden won 2-1 and were, in my opinion, deserved winners. Was great to see Oqvist making her return to the squad.
One thing that did stand out is that Sweden is lacking a creative midfielder. They have the skill in Kosovare Asllani and a decent tackler in Hammarstrom. But they are lacking a player who has that ability to do something special with the ball. A pass that can unlock a defence, or a free kick specialist that can hit the ball to change the game.
Many today were asking “ Where is Sjögran?” a player who at 36 is a veteran of Swedish football but yet cannot get into the team. Pia Sundhage has come in with a clear intention of who will be involved in the Euro 2013 team. She has introduced players such as Samuelsson at left back and also made it clear who is playing where.
Yet with the exception of Swedens stand out player, Lotta Schlein, I cannot see any other player that is or has been overseas even being mentioned as being a candidate.
The argument has always been that it is too difficult to watch women’s football games involving overseas players due to time and the cost involved. Personally I can’t see that being an argument anymore. Nearly all major teams have their own website that either show highlights of a game in HD or stream games live.
Two players who, in my opinion, would be an asset to the Swedish team are Fors (Louise) and Larsson (Petra). Both had phenomenal spells over the winter in Australia. Larsson reaching the final and being voted MVP of her team. Fors becoming a sensation for scoring goals for a squad with little experience.
Indeed since then Fors has gone on to become one of the leading players in the English division. Playing some majestic football and seeing newly promoted Liverpool being top of the league. Larsson started very well for Linköping before missing a few games with injury.
I would stay up to watch each game live on Australia TV, some 10 hours ahead, often in the early hours. Just because I love the game so much. If I can do it, why can’t someone from the national coaching team?
It’s not just Sweden though. There is a vast number of international women’s players that play outside of their domestic countries leagues. Yet despite playing brilliantly and being on the names of supporters who watch them their games go simply unnoticed by national staff.
I think some managers need to “Think Outside the box”. The box being their own domestic league. Women’s football is an ever changing game, and they just maybe missing the true stars that could make the difference in Euro 2013.
Louise Fors
Petra Larsson
