It is a rare privilege to play for the national football team. To do so side by side with your childhood friend is even more unique.
Bella Andersson and Smilla Holmberg have grown up together, they have shared high school and played alongside each other in both Hammarby and various youth national teams.
Now the 19-year-olds have also played, and won, an A-international match together.
"It's just so crazy, we've played with each other for so long and known each other for so long. And to be here together and play next to each other, it feels like a dream come true," says Andersson.
While Holmberg was making her tenth senior international appearance, Andersson made her national team debut in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Italy. The nerves, which were there, were not apparent.
Goal-line header
She provided a virtually flawless performance in the centre-back position alongside 22-year-old Elma Junttila Nelhage. In the final minutes, she also headed away an Italian equaliser on the goal line. As soon as the match was over, she turned to face Sweden's right-back - and let her emotions run wild.
"It's the sickest thing I've ever done, I think. It's completely unreal. It's the best Tuesday of my life. I just looked at Smilla and started crying."
It is with a trembling voice that Smilla Holmberg explains how much it means to share the experience with Bella Andersson.
"It's so hard to put into words. Bella has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I wouldn't be here without her," says Holmberg.
"Very nice debut"
Nowadays, the two Hammarby products play in different countries. Holmberg is at Arsenal in England and Andersson is at Real Madrid in Spain.
And according to Smilla Holmberg, this was actually the first time they played in the positions right next to each other.
"It was very emotional, a lot of nerves beforehand. We've known each other since childhood and through all the national teams. We could never dream of doing anything bigger."
Another person who was satisfied was temporary national captain Johanna Almgren, who was holding the strings with Tony Gustavsson suspended and in the stands.
"Bella is making a very nice debut. And the whole back line, with Smilla and the youth, is a nice combo today. There is a lot of tension in the first match. Just going in and being herself, she shows courage," says Almgren.
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