When the Swedish national anthem sounded at Strawberry Arena in Solna before the return leg against Lithuania in the World Cup playoff, it was especially meaningful for goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
Great fun. Very proud, happy and grateful. The last time I wore this shirt, I had my daughter in my belly; now I had her in the stands. It was a very emotional national anthem, said the 30-year-old after Sweden won 10-0 and advanced to the qualifying final with a 15-0 aggregate score.
“Very emotional”
She looked up at the stands, where her mother and daughter Zarah, who was born in August last year, were sitting.
It was very emotional. Mom is the one who has made it possible for me to stand here today - without her help, none of this would have been possible.
The last time she played for the national team was in a decisive European Championship playoff against Serbia in December 2024. This spring, she made a comeback with Malmö FF in the Swedish women's league.
"I'm proud of the whole journey, which hasn't been easy. It's still a long way to go to recover from such a big event," she said.
Did you have any doubts during your journey here?
No, I never have. It has been crystal clear that I would be back where I once was.
National team coach Tony Gustavsson pays tribute to Musovic:
Admirable, said Gustavsson.
It is also symbolic for anyone out there who wants to make the same journey she did - becoming a mother during her elite career and making it back, not only to professional football but also to a national team. She is a role model for many.
“Better at enjoying”
Sweden was completely dominant against Lithuania. In addition to the 10-0 scoreline, Blågult had 25 shots on target to Lithuania's none.
If it weren't for the fact that it was a special match for my own reasons, it would have been a really boring match to play.
Musovic wants to hold on to that feeling and does not want to think about whether she will also be allowed to start against Scotland in the qualifying final in December. The winner of the two-legged tie will go to the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
I want to enjoy that feeling. I've gotten better at enjoying it. I think it's thanks to Zarah that I can take in and enjoy these beautiful moments. Out of respect for the moment, I don't want to think too far ahead.