Stina Blackstenius Shines in Championships with 15 Goals

Lotta Schelin is still better with her 18 goals. Otherwise, no Swedish player is close to Stina Blackstenius' goal record in the major championships.

The 29-year-old striker has scored seven goals in the Olympic Games, three in the World Championship and now five in the European Championship, after scoring two of Sweden's goals during the group stage in Switzerland.

I enjoy being at championships. There's something about these matches that makes it a little extra special, says Blackstenius ahead of Thursday's quarter-final against England in Zurich.

The support in the stands contributes even more to the fuel, she says.

There's a lot that drives me, the whole "setup" with all the supporters and knowing that there are family and friends in place. Yes, championships ... it's hard to put into words.

Tough season

When she is told that she is approaching Schelin and has previously passed attacking icons such as Hanna Ljungberg (12 championship goals), Lena Videkull (12) and Victoria Sandell (10), it's still special.

It's nothing I've reflected on, but I'm happy every time I get to score a goal in the Sweden jersey. But of course, when you say it, it feels very big. And I hope, of course, that there will be a few more.

Stina Blackstenius has actually had a pretty tough season. But when it counts, in the most important matches, she has a habit of striking. She has scored a goal in an Olympic final, decided several knockout matches in championships and at the end of May, she shot the Champions League title to Arsenal. Blackstenius was substituted in and decided the final against Barcelona after previously being stuck in a tough goal drought and getting limited playing time.

But the national team management has never doubted.

For us, she is very valuable, says Sweden's assistant national team coach Magnus Wikman.

She has many match minutes per gathering with the national team and that probably helps her to feel important and secure. In Arsenal, they have chosen other players at times.

Suits Sweden well

The way the Swedish national team plays under national team coach Peter Gerhardsson – high pressure, quick transitions – is also tailor-made for Blackstenius.

We play a football where her qualities – speed, willingness to run and strength – are important. And she probably feels that too, that we utilize it.

15 championship goals are no joke?

No, it's good. She always feels harmonious when we have championships. She is willing to do this job. She is a very, very skilled forward with qualities that suit the Swedish national team under Peter Gerhardsson.

Lasse Mannheimer/TT