Tales of the Tournaments

August 15, 2023

Eden Park, Auckland

Sofia Jakobsson was sitting in the Swedish locker room, lost in her own head. She missed her lillasyster - and who knew what would have happened to Alyssa by now, she worried, though she knew nothing big should be happening until Sofia was home. 

Home. She stared vacantly at the cubby across from hers, not really seeing it, as Hanna and Anna sat on either side of her, taking the older Swede's hands. The Swedish youngests squeezed her hands comfortingly, and Sofia came back to herself.

"It's alright Sof, we didn't make the starting eleven either."

That wasn't really what was bothering Sofia, for once - perhaps it was a good thing she'd been left on the bench for now, she'd never be able to focus.

Sofia let Hanna and Anna walk with her to join the other substitutes on the bench as the eleven got into position. Zecira Musovic in goal again, then Jonna Andersson, Magda Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt, and Nathalie Bjorn making up the defense while Kosse Asllani, wearing the captain's armband, joined Filippa Angeldal, Frido Rolfo, Johanna Kaneryd, and Elin Rubensson in midfield. Stina Blackstenius, as had become usual, took the single forward's position in the lineup.

Linda Sembrandt was sitting at the far end of the substitutes' bench, keeping an eye on the brat who had been entrusted to her care. Lineth Beerensteyn was currently sitting in a chair beside Swedish manager Peter Gerhardsson, and the Swedes hoped their Dutch guest wouldn't make a scene.

(Linda had offered to gag her if she didn't shut up on her own. Seger had said it shouldn't be necessary, then gave Lineth a look that strongly suggested Lineth had better not make a liar out of her. If so, Seger would happily let Linda do whatever she needed to Lineth.)

Nothing much happened in the first fifteen minutes, as Sofia watched her teammates. But then Johanna was called foul for running offside, and Sofia winced. The Chelsea player was definitely going to be feeling some guilt for that.

The next twenty-seven minutes were a blur of throw-ins and free kicks, nothing Sofia could really pick out as helpful. In the forty-second minute, shortly before halftime, Frido tried for a shot on goal, but missed. She looked angry with herself, and Sofia couldn't blame her. 

Well, so far nothing too terrible had happened. But Sofia couldn't help thinking things would be better if only AT was still there.

When they came back from halftime, it took Stina ten minutes to make an effort on goal.

Unsuccessful.

Sofia winced as she watched Amanda Ilestedt and Jenni Hermoso both go for the ball at once. Amanda must have been furious about Stina's miss - she let her emotions take over, grabbing the Spaniard from behind just as Jenni went to kick it. She kneed her in the lower back, dropping her on the ground.

Just as Jenni was struggling to her feet, the announcers said Alexia Putellas was likely to be subbed off. Sofia couldn't help but think that was likely a good choice - especially as the Barca captain's posture radiated rage. If Sofia was any judge, Alexia would quite like to hit Amanda.

Sofia couldn't say she'd blame Alexia for that. I'd probably be thinking the same thing if it was Rachel. 

Speaking of negative emotions, Sofia could practically feel Kosse's annoyance from here. Or maybe it was her own. This was a semifinal and no one had scored yet. Well, she was thankful that Spain hadn't. But really, what were they doing?

Well, apparently her teammates weren’t done with Jenni Hermoso yet, Sofia reflected. Johanna Kaneryd had stepped on the Spaniard’s foot, hard enough to bring her back down to the ground. This time it was officially whistled foul, and Jenni was down long enough to stop play.

Sofia held her breath. She could see Salma Paralluelo reacting from the bench. One of her teammates had to grab the teenage star and forcibly calm her, and Sofia completely understood. If someone had done that to Tobin or Christen in front of AT, she would have reacted just the same. Salma was subbed on for the teen’s Mama Alexia a minute later, and Sofia was surprised the girl didn’t either grab Alexia and refuse to let go, or run to Jenni immediately. But maybe she was comparing her too much with what she thought AT would do.

It was hard not to find empathy for her opponents in Sofia’s current headspace, and she briefly wondered if maybe that was why she hadn’t been put in, and was being forced to stew on the bench. Perhaps now, with AT gone, they were worried she’d come to empathize with Salma and her mamas, Alexia and Jenni, too much. Maybe I do, but I’m still only human, Sofia thought. Sure, football is about winning, but that’s not all it’s about all the time.

Apparently it was Kosse’s turn to crack now. She stepped on Olga Carmona’s foot, the Spanish captain sputtering in shock at the audacity. Olga had just kicked the ball away (sending it back to the Swedes accidentally), to keep the ball in bounds, and Kosovare’s action was completely unwarranted.

That was naughty, Kosovare, Sofia could just hear Miss Pernilla saying from her vantage point. She didn’t envy Kosse the impending discussion that would bring on.

Just three minutes later - five minutes past the hour - Frido bumped heads with Tere, both trying to head the ball. Sofia was gratified to see she wasn’t the only Swede with concerns for at least some of their Spanish opponents - Frido was very close to Tere, and she placed a hand on Tere’s back, soothing her gently and no doubt apologizing for the accidental collision.

But for all Frido was treating the Spaniards gently, Sofia observed, Stina was still running on fury and adrenaline.

In the seventy-seventh minute - presumably to stop the tantrum in Stina's head from turning into a real one - Stina was subbed off for Rebecka Blomqvist, and at the same time, Johanna Kaneryd was taken off for Olivia Schough. 

"That's my girl," Caro said softly, watching Olivia run on, and Sofia smiled too, glad to see Seger happy. But Livi just wasn't the same as AT - not that AT could have played even if she was here, Sofia thought.

In the eighty-first minute, to the Swedes' horror, Salma Paralluelo was confirmed on target with a goal by VAR, giving Spain the lead late in the match. The Swedes scrambled to fight back.

In the eighty-fourth minute, Magda's header missed the goal.

Three minutes later, just after Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll went down in the goal, Elin was swapped out for Lina Hurtig. Play had been stopped briefly to attend to the Spanish keeper, and Sofia couldn’t help wondering if Elin had been responsible for the keeper’s apparent injury, but couldn’t be sure from the angle. Nevertheless, Coll was back on her feet before long.

Sofia felt relieved. She hated seeing players hurt, even opponents.

And then, finally, Becka scored, leveling the score at 1-1.

But then, moments later, Olga Carmona managed to pull Spain ahead again. 2-1.

Sofia was doing her best not to kick or curse as she sat on the bench, and instead, snuggled into Caroline's arms, pressing into Seger's embrace and accepting her comfort.

Kosse didn’t have that comfort, and it showed - when she ran at Cata Coll, kicking the keeper and toppling her again, just before stoppage time. Coll got back up again, and Kosse wasn’t carded (much to Sofia’s surprise) but Kosse’s little tantrum wouldn’t be tolerated, Sofia thought.

“She’s in big trouble, isn’t she, Kosse, I mean,” Sofia whispered, finally speaking to Caro instead of staying lost in her own head as the match played out in front of them.

“I’d say so,” Caro agreed grimly. “Such behaviour can’t be tolerated, Sofia, you know that.”

Sofia nodded.

***

As La Roja prepared to take the field against Sweden, Misa Rodriguez found her mind drifting. She was unable to focus properly with Tere on the pitch when she wasn't. Cata was in goal, which was alright, she supposed. But she'd much rather be contributing than sidelined, especially when Jenni, Alexia, and Tere were all out there and she wasn't.

"Misa?"

Misa shook herself out of her mental journeying and focused on the teen cuddled into her side, lifting the girl into her lap. "I'm here, pequeña," she soothed. "Are you alright?"

"Mama Jenni and Mama Alexia and Tere are all out there."

"I know, little one," Misa soothed. "They're going to play so well, Salma, sweetheart, you'll see." 

"But I want us to be out there too."

"I know, Salma sweetheart, but you don't make that decision." She lowered her voice, murmuring in Salma's ear. "He does." 

Salma scowled and kicked her legs, though she was careful not to kick Misa or anyone by accident. "He's stupid," she pouted, keeping her voice low too.

"Shhh, little sister," Misa soothed. "We don't say things like that about people even when they are true."

"Olga Carmona's finish is wide of the goal!"

Both Misa and Salma looked up.

"Mamas could have scored," Salma said. 

Misa shook her head slightly. The only saving grace for Salma was that she hadn't tried saying she could have scored that shot. "What our Mamas could do or not isn't relevant here, Salma," she chided. "It was Olga's responsibility and she missed."

"I could have done it."

"That's enough, Salma," Misa said sternly. "Mama Jenni will be hearing about that."

"No," Salma shook her head stubbornly.

"I said that's enough, unless you want me to turn you over my knee right now."

Salma immediately hushed, looking incredulously at Misa. She didn't want to risk the keeper carrying out that promise, though.

No doubt Misa would do it, if provoked hard enough. Salma wasn't willing to fuck around and find out.

Thirteen minutes later, Tana had a chance on goal.

She missed.

Salma scrambled up from Misa's lap, only to be yanked back down and placed firmly on Misa's knee, the keeper's arm wrapped around her waist.

Misa leaned in, speaking calmly and quietly to her adopted sister.

"Little girl, if you move from this spot again until you are told to, I'll be making good on that. I have zero problem smacking your naughty bottom right here and now."

Salma gulped audibly and shook her head. 

"S-sorry Misa, please, I'll be good."

She made it to halftime making good on that promise, and Misa relaxed as the whistle blew, lifting Salma up and giving her a pat on the bottom to get her moving. They were glad of the chance to stretch their legs and drink their water, and then, Misa steered Salma over to Jenni.

"Mama Jenni," Salma threw her arms around Jenni, clinging tight as Misa looked on. "Please don't let Misa be mad with me anymore."

"Why is Misa mad with our little Salmine?" Jenni cooed, and Salma blushed, squirming.

"Cause I wasn't sitting still like she said."

"What did Mama Jenni and Mama Alexia tell you about behaving for Misa, Salma?" Jenni asked, and Salma squirmed some more.

"Umm....to sit quietly and behave."

"And is that what happened?" Alexia asked, joining the conversation.

Salma sucked on her lower lip. "Well...not exactly Mama Alexia, but..."

"Were we unclear, Salma?" Jenni asked, eyebrows raised. "Do you need some assistance sitting still?"

"Umm..." Salma looked like she was trying not to panic, and Alexia took the little girl in her arms, stroking her hair. 

"Shh," she soothed. "It's alright sweetheart, don't panic, yes we're scolding you, because you were naughty and broke a rule, but you're okay." She rubbed Salma's shoulder gently, settling her. "Just breathe, little Salmine. We're not saying you're a bad girl."

"Just that you need to sit quietly in the second half, angel," Misa stepped in. "I know you can. I'll be right there to hold you. You sit with me until you're subbed in, no matter what. Okay?"

"Uh huh," Salma sniffled tearfully. "But Misa you said you'd smack me out there where everyone could see."

"Don't do it again and you won't find out," Misa said calmly. "Got it?"

"I got it," Salma whispered. "Please Misa, I'm sorry."

"Show me by behaving yourself, Salma, angel. I know you can do it," Misa said encouragingly. "It'll be alright."

At the beginning of the second half, Salma sat quietly on Misa's lap, leaning into the keeper's embrace. Misa cuddled Salma close, only letting her go when the signal came that it was almost time for the little one to go on. 

At about the same time, Mama Jenni dived for the ball, at the same time as Sweden’s Ilestedt. It looked as though the Swede was angry - maybe not with Jenni, but she took it out on Jenni, grabbing her and kneeing her in the lower back, dropping her on the ground.

This prompted a shriek of outrage from Salma, who tried to pull away from Misa, to run to Mama Jenni - or to Mama Alexia, who looked just as furious at the assault on Jenni as Salma did. But Misa couldn’t have that misbehavior from their little Salmine, her baby sister.

"Behave," Misa cautioned her. "Or you know what's going to happen."

Anxiety flickered in Salma's eyes and she nodded. "I'll be so good Misa, you won't have to...to...you know."

Misa nodded, and watched reluctantly as Salma was sent in, outside her ability to protect the little one..

She was sent in for Alexia.

The teen paused to get a brief hug. "Mama Alexia," she sniffled.

"I know, sweetheart, but you go and make me proud," Alexia prompted. Nodding, Salma ran in.

With Salma gone, Alexia's expression darkened. She pushed her way down the bench, sulking past other players, shoving Zornoza out of the way - when she'd had the little one to focus on she could forget her troubles, but now she just wanted to be left alone.

She dropped into her seat, grudgingly accepting a blanket to wrap herself in. Zornoza reached over to her, and she glowered, pulling away and earning a stern look from Zornoza.

Misa watched all this with a worried expression. Mama Alexia, she could tell, was in trouble. If not with Zornoza, who wasn't a captain - though she was training to be in law enforcement - then with Miss Marta, or Irene, or Mama Jenni. 

Or, she thought, maybe all of them at once. 

As Alexia was subbed off, Misa saw, Tere had turned to look for her and make sure Mama Alexia got to sit down safely. She seemed distressed at Alexia's attitude.

Quite frankly, Misa was worried, herself. Alexia had every right to be upset, but there was upset and there was tantrum, and Alexia was coasting dangerously close to that line, if she hadn't outright crossed it already.

It seemed Alexia wasn’t the only captain (even if she wasn’t Spain’s captain, today) prone to tantrums, Misa reflected as she sat on the bench. Kosse went head to head with Olga Carmona (who was Spain’s captain tonight) in a clearly confrontational mood.

Well, maybe not literally (though she could have). But she stepped on Olga’s foot, completely unnecessarily as the ball wasn’t even in Olga’s possession anymore, but had been kicked back in bounds - landing in Sweden’s possession, no less!

What Kosovare thought she was doing, Misa didn’t know. She just hoped that the Swede paid for it later. (Which she likely would, if Miss Pernilla was half as attentive as Miss Marta, Misa thought. She had no doubt Miss Pernilla was if half the stories she’d heard were true. It made her almost pity Kosovare. Almost. But not really.)

Focusing on that meant that Misa almost missed it when Salma missed her shot for Spain. The header being called wide made Misa whip around, looking in Salma’s direction and finding the dejected, furious teen star on the verge of meltdown. 

It wasn’t made better by Tere bumping heads with Tia Frido.

Frido was immediately apologetic and concerned, Misa could see. She hugged Tere, patting her back and checking her over. But the fact was that they had run into each other. Even if they weren’t injured, that wasn’t going to look good later, Misa thought.

At least Frido’s interference meant Salma didn’t go racing over to defend Tere. If it had been another Swede, Misa wasn’t so sure what would have happened.

In the seventy-first minute, Alba Redondo was brought down by Jonna Andersson kicking her in the back of the ankle. The Swede had brought Redondo down, and yet, when Jenni crossed a shot to Tana, Tana sent it to Alba, who was still lying on the ground. Alba shot it toward the goal - despite still being on the ground (that showed dedication, Misa thought) and caught the side netting, so close that it looked as though it had gone in at first.

Incredible.

However incredible the shot was, Alba still hadn’t got back up, and so a substitution was called for. Eva Navarro was brought on for Alba, who slowly jogged off the pitch, still in quite a lot of pain.

When Maria Caldentey tried for a shot on goal, and missed, Misa sighed. She knew her teammate would be feeling guilty about that, but at least it hadn’t been as dramatic as Alba’s. 

Sweden made a couple of substitutions, and not long after that, the ball fell back into Spanish possession. Salma made an attempt on goal, firing the ball past the previously unstoppable Zecira Musovic.

Goal.

La Roja mobbed Salma, sweeping the formerly anxious, temperamental teen up in a cloud of happy celebration. Misa would have run to her, too, but good manners kept her on the bench. She saw Tana pull Salma into her embrace as the Spaniards dispersed, and Misa smiled to see the two celebrating together. 

Then the celebrations stopped as the ref put her hands up. VAR check.

Oh no, Misa thought. If they took this away from Salma, if the keeper’s vision had been screened by another player…but no.

The check came back clean, and everyone could relax. Spain were, officially, up by one.

Well, Misa thought, she doubted the Swedes would relax. La Roja certainly wouldn’t. One goal was too slender of a margin to depend on.

Not long after that, Cata Coll was down. Misa hissed under her breath, stifling the urge to curse. If Cata needed to come out, she’d have to be ready. And Misa wasn’t ready for that, not with her worries about Mama Jenni, Mama Alexia, Tere, and Salma. She didn’t want to have to worry about Sweden scoring past her, too. “Get up, Cata,” Misa whispered. “Jesu, Cata, please get up.”

It took a few moments - during which time Elin Rubensson was subbed off for Lina Hurtig, and Misa assumed that meant Elin was the likely culprit for Cata’s incident. She had been close to the goal after all. “I swear if Miss Pernilla doesn’t kill her I will,” Misa muttered.

Thankfully Cata seemed to be intact, and returned to the pitch after a little attention from the med staff. Misa sighed and sat down. “I’m going to kill her.”

“No you’re not.”

Misa turned her head to look at Ivana Andrés. “I’m not?”

“Leave Rubensson to Miss Pernilla. We don’t need you in trouble.”

Reluctantly, Misa nodded.

But then Rebecka Blomqvist scored past Cata, whose reflexes had slowed a bit.

Goal. Sweden equalizes.

Misa snarled and got to her feet. “I’m going to--”

“You’re going to sit down.” 

“You sound like Mama Jenni,” Misa grumbled, dropping back on the bench beside Ivana.

“Good. Somebody has to.”

Misa sighed, shook her head and refocused, glad that Cata seemed to be back together. She was just in time to see Tere cross a corner kick to Olga, who sent the ball past Zecira Musovic, burying it in the net and putting Spain back in front.

That was definitely a relief, Misa thought. 

As they reached the 90th minute, Kosse stepped on Cata Coll’s ankle trying to score a goal. Misa jumped up as Cata went down again, and Ivana yanked her back down, pulling the keeper facedown over her lap. 

“Ivana!”

“Hush,” Ivana ordered Misa sternly. “Or I”ll make good on your promise to Salma. It can just as easily happen to you, Maria Isabel Rodriguez Rivero, don’t make me do it.”

“I’ll behave,” Misa whispered, and Ivana helped her sit up, wrapping an arm around the trembling keeper. “But…Kosse’s my friend, and she hurt Cata. I’m supposed to protect Cata.”

“Not right now, Maria,” Ivana said quietly.

Before long they were in stoppage time, and as the final few minutes of the match wound to a close, Misa prayed Spain could keep Sweden from scoring again.

Thankfully, they managed, and Misa breathed a sigh of relief when the final whistle blew.

Spain 2, Sweden 1. 

 Sweden’s tournament - except for the third-place match - was over.

The Swedes and Spaniards mingled on the pitch, shaking hands, with the Swedes congratulating the victorious La Roja, some more sincerely than others.

Fridolina Rolfo picked Aitana up and hugged her. "I am so proud of you, lillan," she whispered through her tears. "You did so good today, sweetheart." 

Tana rewarded Frido with a beaming smile, offering her jersey to Frido on the sideline. They traded jerseys, and Misa watched them with a fond smile as Frido spun Tana around. Yes, Frido was upset at not having won, of course - but Tana had won, and Tana had done well, that mattered too.

"I'll be cheering for you lillan," Frido told Tana.

"You too Tia Frido," Aitana hugged the Swede tightly. "It's not all over, yet. You have one more."

Fridolina nodded.

“You know your mamas said to give you a big hug from them to show they're still with us even though they can't be here.” Frido told Tana. 

“A big hug, Tia Frido?” Aitana asked. 

“The biggest hug ever, lillan.” Frido opened her arms for Tana, who threw herself into the waiting embrace while the Swede’s arms engulfed her, then stepped back reluctantly.. 

“Your mamas love you bigger than the whole world. Mama Ingrid just had to get back to Mama Mapi before she caused any more trouble than she already has.” Frido wiggled her eyebrows at Tana.

Tana giggled, “Not funny, Tia Frido. I'll see you soon?”

“We'll be back playing in Spain before you know it, little one. Now go, Miss Marta is calling for you.”

“I don’t want to be in trouble,” Tana pouted reluctantly, dropping her gaze. She didn’t want Miss Marta telling her that she’d messed up, or disappointed her mamas somehow.

Meanwhile, across the pitch two players who had just been adversaries, Sofia Jakobsson and Misa Rodrìguez were now beginning a conversation.

“Your team made a really good effort, Sofia. You should be proud. Plus, you still have the 3rd place match to look forward to.” 

“Yes, we're still alive in that respect, unlike AT.” Sofia couldn't help but be worried about her lillasyster.

“Hey, you tell your hermanita that she played great. She can't overcome coaching stupidity. I should know.”

“Well, you're still alive despite it.” Sofia retorted. 

“Yes, but I had my mamas with me. Your hermanita did not. Not to mention, her worrying about them not getting to be here with her and her worrying about what they think about her performance. You tell her I said keep her head up, she still has many more tournaments  in front of her.”

“I tell her all the time to keep her head up.”

“How exactly do you do that?”

“How do I do wh-”

“Eva Sofia Jakobsson!”

“Marìa Isabel Rodriguez!”

Miss Pernilla and Miss Marta stood by the doors to the tunnel, hands on their hips, looking pointedly at their younger charges still on the pitch. 

“Come here at once, little girls,” Miss Marta said, and reluctantly the pair obeyed, though Misa thought it was unfair of them to be called little. They were wearing each other’s jerseys now, much like Frido and Tana. 

“But Miss Marta, Sofia was just saying--” 

"Get inside, Maria. We have some things to deal with.”
“We promise you will have an opportunity to finish your conversation later,” Pernilla added before Sofia could open her mouth.

Sighing, the pair trailed their respective disciplinarians through the doors, down the tunnel, and parted ways to head to their separate locker rooms. The locker room doors closed behind Misa and Sofia ominously.