Decision at EM-AS
“This is unfair”: Sweden legend criticizes national coaches
07/18/2025 – 10:01 a.m.Reading time: 1 min.
Sweden left the European Championship despite the 2-0 lead. The disappointing penalty shootout led to the end. Expert Lotta Schelin turned to the team’s coach.
The dramatic end in the EM quarter-finals hit the Swedish national team deeply. The Scandinavians awarded three match balls in a penalty shootout. The crucial missed shot came from the 18 -year -old Smilla Holmberg, who set her attempt far above the goal. Holmberg was the seventh shooter of the Swedes.
After the game, criticism was sounded-especially from ex-international Lotta Schelin. She showed understanding for the young player, but questioned the decision of coach Peter Gerhardsson: “You shouldn’t put an 18-year-old under pressure. If she comes into such a situation, she collapses. It is very difficult and unfair.”
Gerhardsson defended himself. Holmberg is one of the best penalty shooters in training. In addition, the list of shooters was created in consultation with the team. The players would have liked the coaching team to set up a order – this wish had been taken into account. “We took those that we were most convinced of,” said the coach.
“You shouldn’t just pay attention to the age.” Every player must be ready to take over a penalty. In addition, some more experienced players had already been replaced at this time.
After her missed shot, Holmberg collapsed on the field, but was immediately comforted by teammates. Double goal shooter Stina Blackstenius presented herself in front of her: “I would like to say how proud I am on those who dared to shoot a penalty.”