Red again, Elfsborg - "very good training"

Elfsborg defeated Gais 2–1, despite a sending-off with many minutes remaining – for the second match in a row. It should be considered as very good training in how we defend in a low block, says Oscar Hiljemark, coach of Elfsborg.

» Updated: October 04 2024

» Published: August 11 2024

Red again, Elfsborg - "very good training"
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Share this article

The yellow-black team from Borås has a tough program right now. Sunday's match was Elfsborg's tenth in just over a month, with Allsvenskan and qualifying for the European Championship.

How do you train in such a situation?

As little as possible, almost, says Oscar Hiljemark with a smile.

On Thursday, Elfsborg played 1–1 away against Croatian Rijeka in the European Championship qualifying. Strongly done, especially considering that goal-scorer Jalal Abdullai was sent off in the beginning of the second half.

Hiljemark impressed

Against Gais, it happened again. This time, Ahmed Qasem received two warnings in three minutes in the middle of the second half, when Elfsborg led 2–1.

Running around with one man less for 30 minutes is something that wears you out. But the guys do it incredibly well. I'm very, very impressed, says Hiljemark.

The sent-off Ahmed Qasem does not want to protest against the yellow cards.

I trust the referee, says Qasem about Kristoffer Karlsson's decision.

He is not upset about the tough game schedule either.

We have a big, good squad. We trust what Oscar does. He is not afraid to rotate, says Qasem praising Elfsborg coach Hiljemark.

Own goal decided

It was an intense, dramatic Allsvenskan match at Borås Arena. The teams scored each other's goal in the first quarter.

In the 30th minute, Elfsborg took the lead for the second time – with the help of a Gais player, who steered a pass into his own goal. It became the winning goal.

In the final stage, Gais pushed for an equalizer, with one man more. But the home team defended successfully.

In stoppage time, Gais goalkeeper Kees Sims also received a red card, when he was far out on the field and got the ball on his hand. After that, center-back Axel Norén had to substitute as goalkeeper for Gais, since the team had made all its substitutions.

"Good basic level"

Gais was not satisfied with their performance before the break.

What's positive is that we still make a match out of it. We grow into the match, says coach Fredrik Holmberg.

We have a good basic level now, he adds.

Gais lacked several players due to injuries, including first-choice goalkeeper Mergim Krasniqi.

Elfsborg's return match against Rijeka in the third qualifying round of the European Championship will be played in Borås on Thursday.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Norwegian Striker Cathinka Tandberg Departs Hammarby
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Striker Cathinka Tandberg Departs Hammarby

Swedish Junior Lea Nilsson Advances to US Open Semifinal
1 MIN READ

Swedish Junior Lea Nilsson Advances to US Open Semifinal

Melina Andersson Wins Silver in Canoe Marathon World Championship
1 MIN READ

Melina Andersson Wins Silver in Canoe Marathon World Championship

Liverpool Signs Beata Olsson from Kristianstad in Record Transfer
1 MIN READ

Liverpool Signs Beata Olsson from Kristianstad in Record Transfer

Frölunda and Färjestad Set for Exciting Women's Hockey Rivalry
3 MIN READ

Frölunda and Färjestad Set for Exciting Women's Hockey Rivalry

Slovenia vs Sweden: World Cup Qualifier Match Preview
3 MIN READ

Slovenia vs Sweden: World Cup Qualifier Match Preview

Louise Etzner Jakobsson Wins First European Championship Gold
1 MIN READ

Louise Etzner Jakobsson Wins First European Championship Gold

French Women's Boxing Team Misses World Championship Due to Late Gender Test
2 MIN READ

French Women's Boxing Team Misses World Championship Due to Late Gender Test

Roberth Björknesjö Named New Head Coach of Allsvenska Öster
1 MIN READ

Roberth Björknesjö Named New Head Coach of Allsvenska Öster

Jon Dahl Tomasson Tasked with Leading Sweden to World Championship
3 MIN READ

Jon Dahl Tomasson Tasked with Leading Sweden to World Championship

Swedish TV to Miss NFL Broadcasts This Season
1 MIN READ

Swedish TV to Miss NFL Broadcasts This Season

Christian Eriksen Trains with Malmö FF Amidst Transfer Speculation
2 MIN READ

Christian Eriksen Trains with Malmö FF Amidst Transfer Speculation

Axel Norén Joins Swedish National Team for World Cup Qualifiers
1 MIN READ

Axel Norén Joins Swedish National Team for World Cup Qualifiers

Israel-Premier Tech Urged to Withdraw from Tour of Spain for Safety
2 MIN READ

Israel-Premier Tech Urged to Withdraw from Tour of Spain for Safety

Sjöström Eyes Possible Comeback at 2026 European Championship
2 MIN READ

Sjöström Eyes Possible Comeback at 2026 European Championship

Jannik Sinner Advances to US Open Semifinals After Defeating Musetti
2 MIN READ

Jannik Sinner Advances to US Open Semifinals After Defeating Musetti

Swiatek Out of US Open as Osaka Reaches Semifinals
1 MIN READ

Swiatek Out of US Open as Osaka Reaches Semifinals

Sweden to Play Turkey in European Championship Basketball Round of 16
1 MIN READ

Sweden to Play Turkey in European Championship Basketball Round of 16

Swedish Teen Lea Nilsson Stuns Top Seed at US Open Junior
1 MIN READ

Swedish Teen Lea Nilsson Stuns Top Seed at US Open Junior

Felix Auger-Aliassime Reaches US Open Semifinals, Defeats Alex de Minaur
2 MIN READ

Felix Auger-Aliassime Reaches US Open Semifinals, Defeats Alex de Minaur