Benny Andersson was Damkronorna's material manager for over 20 years and passed away suddenly in 2024.
His birthday was February 13, on match day.
"So we know he's up in heaven celebrating and drinking beer," says Hanna Olsson, who scored the 1-0 in the 2-0 victory.
Team captain Anna Kjellbin says that she and Hanna Olsson talked about Benny Andersson on the bus on the way to the match.
"Benny is still alive, and tonight many of us played for him," says Kjellbin.
What would he have said about this victory?
"He would have been proud," she says.
"Everyone can get along"
Damkronorna had not won a quarterfinal in a championship since the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Now that curse has been broken, and alongside heroes like Hanna Olsson and goalkeeper Ebba Svensson, the common denominator being highlighted is the group.
"It's a good mix of young and old, and everyone can get along with each other, which is really important. In previous national teams there may have been some grouping, but we've really got it together. It's clear we've stuck together a lot during tournaments and summer camps; that sets the group, and that's the most important thing of all," says Hanna Olsson.
"Suitable for us"
For the 27-year-old Frölunda player, the quarterfinal victory was her biggest moment in the national team.
"It's nice and important how we handle special teams. We saw how we shut them down in our box play; then on the power play Sara Hjalmarsson blocked the pass and I got an open shot, so I realized I had to shoot quickly."
Sweden will most likely face the USA in the semifinals (on Monday) if no major upsets occur in the quarterfinals.
"They're the best team in the world right now, but it suits us as underdogs."
