It was a successful competition debut in the national team for Jesper Karlström. He jumped into the 107th minute when it was 0-0 in the playoff match against the Czech Republic.
Three minutes later, he got the ball centrally and released smart straight forward to Robin Quaison, who wall-played with Alexander Isak, and so it was 1-0.
– Great fun. I did not think two weeks ago that I would play such an important match for Sweden, he says.
What reactions have you received from family and friends?
– Everyone is proud and happy.
What was it like to jump in?
– It was a little nervous. I had to warm up for quite some time, so I had time to think a bit. But it felt really good right away. I got off to a good start. It was damn fun, and I want to play more.
After the lead goal, it was all about defending the lead. And four minutes after the goal, the Czech Republic came in a change, which could have been dangerous. Jesper Karlström chased the ball holder, but did not catch up. Then he hijacked him and took a yellow card.
– (Laughter) It was at our bench and everyone on our bench shouted that I should lower him. Albin (Ekdal) was probably the one who was heard the most. So then I took him down, he says.
Karlström lives in Poland where he plays for Lech Poznan. There he is a teammate with some Polish national team players. And an SMS has already been sent.
– Yes, I have received some text messages from my teammates. I know some in the team. Everyone thought it was fun that we won, but now they think it will be worse for us, he says.
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