The players streamed from the substitutes’ bench and onto the field, the coaching staff not too far behind them, swarming around the teammates who had rescued their dream.
At last, celebrating together, they could release all of the stress and strain of the last couple of days, the last three weeks of this World Cup, the last year or more.
This time, though, it was not Sweden celebrating, but Spain.
They had barely had the chance to relish the sensation of relief before it was extinguished, cruelly and instantly.
It will be Spain, then, that takes its place in a maiden World Cup final — against either Australia or England — in Sydney on Sunday, thanks to a 2-1 victory in the mist and drizzle of Auckland.
Persons:
Rebecka
Locations:
Sweden, Spain, Australia, England, Sydney, Auckland