Last Saturday, Stina Blackstenius decided the Champions League final in football against Barcelona (1–0) as a substitute at José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon.
Since the London team's first title in 18 years, it has been a tumultuous time. In the locker room, the national team striker was serenaded by her teammates to the tune of Culture Club's 80s hit "Karma Chameleon". A supporter has tattooed the exact match minute for the final goal (73.57) and the 29-year-old was greatly celebrated during the celebration at the men's home stadium Emirates Stadium.
Somewhere there, she was struck by fever.
I wasn't in my best shape right then. I may not be entirely comfortable with it in that way. At the same time, it's just trying as best you can. I enjoy regardless, she says and continues:
It was really an absolutely fantastic reception in every way. It will live with me for a long time. It's completely certain.
Due to symptoms of illness, Blackstenius later joined Sweden's ongoing Nations League gathering. On Thursday, she met with Swedish media at Ennio Tardini Stadium in Parma ahead of Friday's match against Italy.
Uncertain start?
It's better. I had a bit of fever at the beginning of the week but got to join as soon as it was gone. Then we've stepped it up from there and had good communication with the medical team. I've been able to participate in a bit of training now.
Will you start or not?
I've tried to step up the training all week and had good dialogue with the medical team. We'll take a talk. Then it's up to them to decide how ready I am.
National team coach Peter Gerhardsson doesn't answer how ready for play Blackstenius and Arsenal teammate Amanda Ilestedt, who also had symptoms this week, are.
They've trained, yes, he says cryptically.
Positive effect?
With a win against Italy, Sweden can secure advancement to the Nations League semifinals. Then, however, Denmark must drop points at home against bottom-placed Wales in Odense later on Friday evening.
Blackstenius, still goalless in four NL matches, wants to build confidence from the CL final goal.
to finish the season in that way gave me incredibly much. I really hope to be able to bring all the positive feeling into this gathering and onwards (towards the European Championship this summer).
Facts: Sweden's Nations League situation
Table, A-division, group 4
- Sweden, 8 points, +2 goal difference 2) Italy, 6 p, +1 3) Denmark, 6 p, –1 4) Wales, 2 p, –2
All teams have played four matches.
Friday's matches: Italy–Sweden (18.20, Parma), Denmark–Wales (19.15, Odense).
Tuesday's matches: Sweden–Denmark (19.30, Solna), Wales–Italy (19.30, Swansea).
If two or more teams finish on the same points, the following will decide in order: 1) head-to-head matches, 2) goal difference in head-to-head matches, 3) goals scored in head-to-head matches.
