Spanish and Swedish Women's Football Teams Unite in Powerful Solidarity

 Spanish and Swedish Women's Football Teams Unite in Powerful Solidarity

Kosovare Asllani of Sweden runs with the ball during the UEFA Womens Nations League match between Sweden and Spain(Image-Getty)

Spanish and Swedish players joined forces before their Nations League clash, sending a powerful message about the ongoing struggle in women's football despite recent changes. Spain narrowly won 3-2 due to a late penalty, impacting the Nations League and Olympic qualification. However, the Swedish players emphasized that their support was equally crucial.

Sweden's captain, Kosovare Asllani, expressed that it's a global fight, not just Spain's, and they wanted to show solidarity. Asllani, now at AC Milan, had previously played for Real Madrid and shared her support with former teammate Teresa Abelleira.

Before kickoff, both teams held up a banner reading "Our fight is the global fight" and the hashtag #SeAcabo ("It's over" in Spanish), symbolizing the call for change.

The dispute between the Spanish team and their association escalated when former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jennie Hermoso after winning the World Cup. While Rubiales saw it as an affectionate gesture, many female players, including Hermoso, viewed it as a display of power.

Asllani stressed the need to remove individuals hindering equality within federations, citing the situation in Spain as an example. She acknowledged that this issue isn't unique to Spain, with many national teams facing similar challenges.

Despite Rubiales and team coach Jorge Vilda resigning, the game in Gothenburg almost didn't happen as Spanish players protested the existing structures. Eventually, 21 of the original 23 players traveled to Sweden, and the Swedish team offered support for any protest the Spaniards wished to stage.

Once the match began, solidarity turned into competition, with both teams fully focused on winning. Swedish fans displayed support for the Spanish players, but the late penalty disappointed them despite the show of solidarity.

In conclusion, while the Swedish players were disappointed by the loss, their solidarity with the Spanish team served as a positive sign. The fight for equality in women's football is ongoing, and players from various federations continue to advocate for respect and fair treatment. Magda Eriksson, a Swedish defender, emphasized the importance of persisting until every player feels they are treated as they deserve.