In the 73rd minute, a goalkeeper's rebound landed in front of the Manchester United star's left foot. Anyone who knows Fridolina Rolfö knows how it usually ends.
The ball went hard into the roof of the net, making it 2–2 and meaning that the Swedish women's football team came away with their honor intact from the World Cup qualifying match against Italy at Gamla Ullevi.
Rarely starts
For Rolfö, it was also a message to national captain Tony Gustavsson, who since he took over last fall has only started the attacking star in two out of ten international matches.
"You always want to play as much as possible, of course. It's not the most fun situation. But for me it's about focusing on what I can influence and making the most of the minutes I've been given," says Fridolina Rolfö.
Against Italy, she was substituted with just over half an hour left to play, with the score 0–2. In her position as a central attacking midfielder, she led the way in the Swedish recovery.
"I was super excited to play and got a few more minutes this time. I liked the position I played and got to be a big part of the game. I felt like I could contribute today and it was great fun."
Tailor-made role
Tony Gustavsson says that he has "tailored" a role for Rolfö for this squad, as a player who can come in from the bench and change the game.
Fridolina Rolfö doesn't seem completely satisfied with the role.
"I don't know what to say, actually. That's how he feels. I'd like to play more. You always want to play as much as possible and start matches. So yeah... I don't know what to say."
Sweden finished third in the group, behind Denmark and Italy, and will play a playoff this fall for a place in the 2027 World Cup.
"We are too good not to be in a World Cup. We will qualify," says Rolfö.
