It's Always Been You

Chapter 21

February 2022 - Algarve, Portugal

Unfortunately, due to covid cases, Denmark forfeited the opening match of our Algarve Cup, with the score subsequently ending in a 3-0 win to us. Our next match was against Portugal, and if we were able to win that, we would be into the final.

I was in the starting lineup for the Portugal match, and was even given the captain's armband as the usual first choice captain, Caroline, was on the bench for the match. It was an honour to captain the team, and I was hopeful for a good performance. The first half went alright, however without a breakthrough from either side. The match had a slow tempo, and I knew that we had to step it up for the last 45 minutes in order to find a result.

"Come on, guys. We can beat them!" I said in our team huddle on the pitch, preparing for the match to restart. "Put some more energy in it, and let's score some goals!"

My words paid off, and the second half was significantly better than the first. I assisted a goal coming from Hanna in the 56th minute, which was quickly followed by three more, from Amanda, Koso and Stina. After 90 minutes of hard work, we won the match 4-0, which put us into the final against Italy.

It was a relief, but the rest of the camp flew by and training went quickly, and before we knew it, it was time for the final. I was starting again, with my performance in the previous match being good. However, the final didn't start as we would've liked, with an early Italian goal, and our inability to equalise in the first half. I tried through balls, crosses and even shot myself, but none of my passes seemed to connect, or even test the goalkeeper. Thankfully, we were able to get one back around the 70th minute, with a penalty from Caroline after a foul in the box. Even with twenty minutes left though, we weren't able to score a winner, and the match was now to be decided by penalty shootouts.

"Order of penalties." Our manager Peter told us, "Caroline, Koso, Stina, Emma, and Filipa for the first five. Sixth will be Val, and then Hedvig seventh if needed. Hopefully no further, understood?" We all nodded, although I was dreading my penalty kick. The last penalty shootout I had taken part in, ended in disaster, but I was hoping that I wouldn't have to take one, although if I did, I wanted to redeem my Olympic performance.

All ten players from both sides made their penalties, so I was up next. We were kicking first, so I knew how important it was for me to score. I stared at their keeper straight in the eyes, taking a few steps backward. I acted confident, despite being extremely nervous inside, although I did know exactly where I would shoot. Turning my hips towards the left, I deceived the goal keeper thinking that would be where I am going to shoot, but I was able to shift and calmly slot the ball into the other corner. I heard the girls cheering behind me, and when the next Italian, Serturini, missed her penalty, we had won the Algarve cup.

"Well done!" Stina congratulated me as we were walking to get our medals and for the trophy lift.

"And you." I reply, laughing, while I helped her put on her medal. We were all glowing with happiness, the win boosting our confidence for the upcoming Euros.

In the dressing room, I posted a photo on Instagram of Stina, Frido and I holding the Algarve trophy, looking at it with pride.

valentinedahlberg: What a beautiful sight ...

stinablackstenius Jajajaaaaa
fridolinarolfo: Det här var gulligt !!! (This is cute)
daniellevddonk: 🤩🤩
elliecarpenterr: Bravo ma fille <3