National team coach Tony Gustavsson chose to start with Felicia Schröder and Evelyn Ijeh up front in Kaunas. Arsenal star Stina Blackstenius, who has 130 international caps and previously captained the team in the World Cup qualifiers, was left on the bench.
"You always want to be in the game. There has been a lot of competition. You have to respect it and take the chance when you get it," Blackstenius tells Expressen.
She came on in the second half and scored Sweden’s fifth goal to make it 4-0. But Blackstenius does not want to elaborate on the dialogue she has had with national team coach Gustavsson.
"It's been okay. We maintain dialogue within the team and continue that way," she says.
When asked if she has received any explanation, Blackstenius replies:
Take the next question.
Sweden won 5–0. The return leg will be played in Solna on Tuesday.
