Felicia Schröder led the way as Sweden cruised past Lithuania in the first World Cup playoff match on Friday. The striker, who had not scored a goal in the blue and yellow jersey, scored a hat trick in the 5-0 victory.
The goal show is just the beginning, according to several of Schröder's national team teammates. Anna Sandberg remembers back to the time when Schröder was a shy player when they played in Häcken.
"As soon as I saw she was going to take the penalty (the 1-0 goal against Lithuania), I knew it was going to happen. She's had so many chances before, so we knew that as soon as the first goal came, there would be more," says Sandberg and continues:
I've played with her and I know what she's capable of. It's hard to take a place as a young player but she's a character and a great person. It's an awesome journey.
You say character, in what way?
She gives of herself, there's a lot of dancing and a lot of music. That energy is needed. I'm super proud of her.
Strengthened self-confidence
Schröder has had a great start to the season at Spanish giants Real Madrid, scoring goals. Now things have also started to unravel in the national team, and 94th-ranked Lithuania at home will be a great chance for the 19-year-old to find the net again.
You'll notice that I shine when I just think about her goal, says assistant national captain Johanna Almgren and continues:
She comes from a good time at Real too. When you are in the flow, it does a lot for your confidence. Even if she doesn't score goals, she contributes a lot in other ways.
The tribute: “You could say that”
The fact that Schröder contributes with other things than the goals is something that Johanna Almgren highlights.
She runs deep and we see that she has developed her game in the penalty area. She has also started to understand the players she is playing with. Felicia is very adaptable.
So it's not possible to bench her on Tuesday...?
"Yes, exactly. You could say that," Almgren says with a laugh.
Everything points to Sweden getting past Lithuania. The next challenge is a double meeting with either Scotland or the Czech Republic to clinch a World Cup ticket next summer. Those matches will be decided in November/December.
Name: Felicia Schröder.
Age: 19 years old.
Position: Forward.
Club team: Real Madrid (Spain).
Previous club team: BK Häcken.
National team: 12 A international matches/3 goals.
Merits: Swedish Championship gold in 2025 and European Cup title with Häcken in 2025–2026.