Sweden's third Nations League match, away against Bosnia-Herzegovina, is very much about superstar Edin Dzeko.
The match will be the 40-year-old's last in the national team jersey and is expected to draw a great deal of tributes. For former Mjällby goalkeeper Noel Törnqvist, the meeting with Dzeko means an assignment from a gang of friends.
They said: “You have to buy tickets” and “you have to buy his shirt”. My best friend is from Bosnia and I know more people from there. I have tried to buy as many tickets as I can, says Törnqvist.
“Most ugly phrases”
The opposing team's captain has enormous status in his home country after 73 goals in 151 international matches.
"You can understand that he is a gigantic player. The Bosnians have explained how great he is and how incredibly much he means to the people there," says Törnqvist.
When it comes to the language, Törnqvist says he has learned a few sentences, and doesn't hesitate if things get heated around the substitutes' benches, where the goalkeeper spent the first two matches during the Nations League.
"I have a few phrases in me. Mostly some ugly ones. If there's a fight on the benches, I can definitely take up the discussion," he says with a smile.
While the focus is on the Nations League, Törnqvist follows Mjällby and the difficult period the team has had in the Allsvenskan. A weak season led to the firing of coach Karl Marius Aksum, who was replaced by Andreas Brännström. Aksum was an assistant coach during Mjällby's golden season in 2025.
“I am surprised”
It's sad to see how things have developed. I hope they can get some new wind in their sails with "Brännan," he says.
Mjällby's coaching change came as a surprise.
I'm surprised. I only have positive words to say about Karl, one of the best coaches I've had. You have to understand that it's not the most grateful thing to come in after a gold and a points record.
But Törnqvist has no concerns about a complete fiasco for Mjällby.
"I absolutely believe they will stick around. I'm not worried about that," he says.
