There were mixed feelings for Monica Jusu Bah after the match against Denmark in April, to say the least.
Sweden had just lost the crucial World Cup qualifying match after a Danish goal in extra time. At the same time, the celebrated Häcken striker had finally scored her first international goal.
“So, that was really the definition of mixed feelings. We lost, but I got to score my debut goal,” the 23-year-old says ahead of Friday’s return match in Odense.
Work mentally
Her goal – after a backheel by Häcken teammate Felicia Schröder – was the only thing Sweden managed in the stinging 1–2 loss.
There was no shortage of chances, however. On the contrary, Felicia Schröder hit the post after just 40 seconds and then again a few minutes later. And so it continued.
In the following match against Serbia, there was a victory – but only by a narrow 1–0.
During the week, it is therefore not primarily the Swedish tactics that have been in focus, according to national team captain Tony Gustavsson.
“Those who want the most, those who dare the most, are often the ones who emerge victorious from the matches. So we have to work a lot on the mental side, not so much on tactics,” he says.
The speed of our deep play, that we fill in with a lot of players. I think we do that very well both against Denmark and Serbia. But I hope we can add efficiency now.
“A little irritated”
This applies especially to the two Häcken strikers in the squad, admits Monica Jusu Bah.
I would still say that there is not that big of a difference between club and national team, it’s just a “mindset” maybe, she says.
We need to let go of the handbrake a little in the national team, just like we do in the club team. But maybe we need to remind each other a little more about it.
At the same time, both strikers are defended by teammate Anna Anvegård, not least Felicia Schröder, who is still waiting for her first goal for the national team.
“I can get a little irritated by the writings, because she is so much more than just a goal scorer. She is a forward, incredibly technical, has good game perception and all those parts,” says the national team midfielder.
Once she gets her bearings, she will score goals, I’m convinced.
