“Old woman who likes fair play”
Pia Sundhage’s anger in SVT
BASEL. Pia Sundhage, 65, was not happy after the first loss in the European Championship.
Swiss national coach thought Norway was cheating.
– I’m an old hag who likes fair play, she says in SVT.
Even before the match against Norway, Switzerland’s Swedish national team captain Pia Sundhage had flagged that Norway likes to cheat when they are in the lead.
The teams met in the Nations League a month ago. Norway also won then.
After the 1–2 loss in the European Championship opener, she was once again irritated with the Norwegian players.
– I feel frustrated. I’m an old hag who likes fair play. It could be better, if you say so, she says in SVT after the match.
Despite several longer breaks, there were “only” seven minutes of added time. Sundhage wasn’t happy with that either.
– It wasn’t me. It was shown seven, then it took forever and it became eight, I think. It’s the way it is. It’s nothing I can do anything about, but now it’s time to recharge the batteries for tomorrow again, Sundhage continues.
Don’t want to comment
At the press conference she was not as eloquent. When asked by Sportbladet if she wanted to elaborate on her statements in SVT, she replied:
– No, I don’t want to comment on that.
She later receives a similar question but again gives a similar answer:
– No.
Vallotto: “I’m getting steam”
Switzerland midfielder Smilla Vallotto agrees with her national team captain.
– Pia is not a fan of it at all, she gets really irritated and I understand that. Most teams in Europe do it now. It’s really frustrating if you’re the “other team” but I understand that teams do it, says Vallotto, who recently left Hammarby for German Wolfsburg.
How annoying was the meshing?
– I get frustrated, but that’s how it is. The cynicism in women’s football is only getting bigger, but it is what it is, she continues.
Arsenal star Frida Maanum burst into a smile when Sportbladet asked about Sundhage’s criticism:
– I don’t agree with that. I think we’re cynical. Good and talented teams do that, says Maanum.
