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A very important victory
It was just the first of four games in the group stage and nothing is by any means a given. But when the Olympics are over, Sweden’s opening win over Germany (4-1) may prove to be a victory that changes the future of Swedish women’s hockey.
I’m using big words here – and to say the least: I’ve anticipated events – but in order for Sweden to have a chance of winning the group at the Olympic Games after the premiere, a win against Germany was necessary. And a group win is most likely a must if Sweden wants to avoid the USA and Canada in the quarter-finals.
If Sweden is to take the next step in terms of spectator interest, sponsorship revenue – yes, everything that is important for women’s hockey to take the next step – success for the national team is incredibly important. Maybe even necessary.
When Sweden won Olympic silver 20 years ago, there was no organization at national team or club level to deal with the interest generated when goalkeepers Kim Martin Hasson and Maria Rooth became heroes.
Now, however, both the national team and the clubs are on their toes. The only thing missing is this medal.
The patient has recovered – and is a hero
When news broke that Lina Ljungblom had been suffering from glandular fever and was in danger of missing the Olympics, it was worrying to say the least.
The star striker is extremely important for the Swedish team.
It was only in January that Ljungblom, who plays for the PWHL team Montreal, was back in action after two months in a hospital bed.
Before her Olympic debut, there were still doubts about her form and endurance, considering she had only played six games since her return.
These question marks became exclamation points in the game against Germany.
Ljungblom had the necessary energy and her sense of purpose had not been lost during her illness.
Secrets are good
For the first time ever, the captain of the Swedish national team, Ulf Lundberg, decided to close the last training session before the premiere. The reason for this was that the team would be practicing the power play and he didn’t want to risk that one of the competitors’ “spies” saw the Swedes’ variations.
Given that two of Sweden’s four goals were numerically superior, it may have been a clever plan.
Read more:
From sickbed to Premier League hero – a dream start for Sweden at the Olympics
