The 32-year-old was given the assignment by Graham Potter after Sema told the national team captain how proud and happy he was when he was selected for the World Cup squad and what it also meant to his family.
Potter wanted Sema to convey this to players and team leaders shortly before the 1–1 match against Japan.
"I did it on a whim. I've been here a long time, almost ten years. I've been waiting to be in a big championship," says Sema the day after the shocker that took Sweden through from the group stage.
Told about the father's feelings
He mentioned how emotional his father had become about his son being included in the World Cup squad.
There were many who understood how great it is to be here. Many came forward and said they were touched. I spoke to Kim (Källström, the national team manager) and he said, "Damn, this is what we needed."
"It's nice to be able to honestly say what you feel and that everyone may feel the same thing but don't always say it out loud. It shows how close we are to each other."
At the end of the match, Sema made his long-awaited World Cup debut - with his mother, father and siblings in the stands.
"I was really just trying to enjoy everything and take it in. I know how hard I worked for this, despite obstacles and setbacks. I've kept fighting, always grinding."
"Extremely proud"
"In the end, the reward always comes to those who don't give up and yesterday was one of those days. I'm extremely proud and I don't often say that about myself."
Now the round of 16 awaits, and Sema, speaking from Dallas, notes how World Cup fever has taken hold in Sweden. He has seen pictures from packed squares back home in Norrköping.
"It just shows how united it is. Everyone is wearing Sweden shirts. People talk about it. It doesn't get any bigger. We're going to go far. We know that if we have a good day, we can beat everyone."
