The weather is always a topic of conversation. Here and there and everywhere. People often complain. If it's not too hot, it's too cold. And so on. Even in Frisco, Dallas, there is a lot of buzz these days about the weather, one of humanity's favorite topics of conversation.
A heat wave has swept across the Midwest and is reaching parts of Texas. Record temperatures are expected in several locations, American television channels report. It's not really that bad in the areas around FC Dallas Stadium, but it is hot – and the heat is set to get worse day by day this week.
Even for well-trained Swedish national team players, temperatures of nearly 35 degrees are a physically demanding challenge.
It was tough to train. The first really hot day since we got here. It was unusual, but I think it will get better session by session, says Isak Hien.
Ice vests offered
The medical team offered ice vests, but Hien settled for a cold, wet towel.
But I'm going to test the vest during one of the upcoming training sessions to see how it feels, he says.
It's going to get even warmer. How does it feel?
"I think it's good for us to train in this extreme heat. Then we just have to hope it won't be as hot when we play," Hien says.
The players have a standing order to drink water.
How much more than on a Swedish summer day?
Twice as much, I would say. It feels like you drink automatically. You feel a thirst that you don't usually feel. You take a water bottle and it's gone in five minutes.
We have to drink, replenish. It is extremely important for performance that you drink a lot and take care of that part, Hien says.
“Sweaty out there”
Herman Johansson is staying at home. This fall's SM winner with Mjällby is playing for FC Dallas this year.
"I was here not too long ago. It was hot then too, but now it's intensified a little bit. It was sweaty out there," he says.
And it's going to get worse. How do you handle the heat?
It's hard. You can feel your heart rate doesn't go down as quickly. You have to think about it, but it's the same for everyone. We Scandinavians might find it a little harder with the heat, but it shouldn't make a big difference.
I think you adapt well.
Sweden plays its World Cup debut on Monday night, Swedish time, against Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.
