Marbella. Seven goalkeepers compete for three places in the WC team.
But looking into the fall season, two goalkeepers are fighting for the top spot.
– I always think I want to stand up, says Jennifer Falk.
Clouds close over the training ground in Marbella. For the first time since the World Cup qualifier against Finland in September, BK Hacken’s Jennifer Falk is included in the national team squad.
The 29-year-old lost her last three sets when she and partner Pernella became parents.
It’s so nice to be back and meet everyone again.
It’s been a few days since Jennifer Falk was here last, then with club side BK Häcken. Then the family was there too. Now they can stay at home.
– I know they do well at home, but of course I miss them and it would be hard to be away from them. We get a lot of faces.
Falk stood last
For several years, Hedvig Lindahl was the first choice given in the Swedish national team, and that is no longer the case. Although Lyndall is one of seven World Cup winners, the majority say the top spot is between Jennifer Falk and Chelsea’s Zysira Mosović.
– For my part, he will remain the same. “I will always do my best and I will always want to play,” Falk says.
– I want to feel like I did my best, and then someone else makes the decision. Sometimes you’re happy, sometimes you’re less happy, says Mosovich.
The World Cup qualifier against Finland is the only competitive match Sweden has played since UEFA, and then it was Valcke who stood up. Since then, Häcken’s goalkeeper was not in the squad and Mušović started all training matches.
Growing with responsibility
It wasn’t just the national team that the 26-year-old, who recently extended his contract with Chelsea, was given playing time. Mušović has also been receiving a lot of playing time in the club’s squad lately.
– I can stand up and say that I’ve evolved and that I’m suffering as much as I want, but if I can’t show it, it’s just talk. She says I am growing with confidence and growing up with responsibility.
Thursday awaits a training international against China in Marbella, and then European Championships silver medalist Germany in Duisburg next week. Who gets the chance then remains to be seen.
– I certainly hope to have a good time playing. It would have been fun to play, Falk says, and I’d do my best to play.