Andersson's speech began with a handful of climate activists near the stage singing a chant that interrupted her. They were carried away by police and Andersson was able to continue talking about the Swedish national team after a short silence.
"They carry our flag. They carry the dreams and hopes of millions of people and make your stomach churn," says Andersson.
The speech then took on a darker tone. Andersson believes that something has happened in Sweden and says she is concerned about where the country is heading.
An icy wind has swept through Sweden. We risk becoming a colder country. Harder. I get so many testimonies about it.
“Heal our country”
Andersson highlights xenophobia and anti-Semitism, which she believes not only affect individual citizens but the entire community. She says that SD makes “a distinction between people” and warns of what will happen if they become the largest party in the next government.
The next government that takes office needs to heal our country.
Step by step, confront extremism, Islamism and anti-Semitism. And let me be crystal clear. I will not back down. I love our country too much for that.
“Stone by stone”
At the end of the speech, she returned to World Cup football, saying that behind the players' successes were non-profit groups that, together with Sweden's welfare system, gave them the conditions to develop their talent - and that this applies not only to football and sports, but to society as a whole.
Our greatness lies in everyday life. That we have built all of this together. Stone by stone. A society where we rejoice in each other's successes and support each other when things are tough.
It's not just eleven fantastic guys taking to the field tonight. It's a whole social model. It's a way of life. It's Sweden!
