Yep, it's a boring thread title, but it was a less-than-stellar year in Swedish football, and so far it looks like everyone is wearing grey or black. And no one seems to have any hesitation about saying that it will once again be the Zlatan and (to a much lesser extent) Schelin show. A couple things may yet save the day. First, I have managed to spot a woman behind the journalists who appears to be wearing a floral-patterned pillowcase from a sheet set that my mother had back in the 70s. They were called 'the wild sheets' and over the years served as temporary chair covers, then beach towels, then finally for mopping up unfortunate accidents caused by children and pets. Why that lady went dumpster diving in the US (and why she then made a top out of the results) is among the questions that will probably not be answered tonight. An even more interesting question is whether Pia Sundhage will be wearing jeans tonight. So far I've only see her from the waist up, and she looks unusually spiffed up. So far the news creatures have collared Sundage, Caroline Seger (who has tipped Vero Boquete) and Victoria Svensson. Diaphanous flowing tops, in a sober color and without contrasting or interesting underwear, seems to be de rigueur. Edit: They just talked to Nilla Fischer. Solid grey over solid black, but at least she's got a waterfall of silver coming down from one ear. Lotta Schelin was right after, solid black, permed hair. Maybe she'll dig at Zlatan again tonight, like last year.
Let's play Guess Who Said That: "... I would choose Swedish guys before American chicks." Answer: http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/article15764579.ab (The quote is pretty near the end. Translation corrections welcome as always, but please, no clarifying context setting! That would make it less fun.) Whoops, I see the exact video doesn't stick with the link. It should be video 1 of 17.)
And who was unpatriotic enough to miss the Swedish men's team's 4-4 ties against Germany recently, and therefore declined to say anything about it? (And who is the first one so made up as to be hard to recognize?) (And if you need one more hint, who will absolutely not be winning midfielder of the year?) Answer: Number 14 of 17
And finally, who is absolutely not over her team's last-minute loss of the gold to Tyresö? Answer: Number 6
Mittag got striker of the year. She's up in a sleeveless dress to show off her tattoos and she's speaking Swedish. I think she might have practiced that speech beforehand. The camera goes to Bachmann, pursing her lips and trying to look pleased... or at least neutral. She fails to do either.
Anja Mittag, speaking Swedish. Can I be mad at her now please?? (Oh, she bailed to English. Good, I feel better. Because I am just that petty.)
A link to watch the spectacle, if you're able: http://fr.justin.tv/scimpi#/w/4164972912 Wish I could but alas, work monitors internet use.
This show is always so bad, that I often wish I *couldn't* watch it. They just showed Swedish Olympics' footage. That was some painful goalkeeping.
Sundhage, is she going to sing?? Yup. Guitar too. The times they are a-changing... I had forgotten about the U-something-or-others triumph. My apologies, U-something-or-others.
The Midfielder of the Year award goes to Boquete. Here we have a second Swedish-English acceptance speech for the award, which she graciously shares with her teammates Seger and Dahlkvist... but not Marta who was also nominated for the prize? Or did I just hear wrong? The camera goes to Frisk, who is determinedly chewing gum with her mouth open. Boquete's outfit was a little black dress, but a little black dress with leather cuffs and whacky swirly tights. I'd give her an edge on Mittag.
Tranny of the Year so far has been Caroline Seger. I don't know if she'd be able to compete with Sara Larsson on a good year, though.
Freddy Ljungberg, looking tiny compared to that giant Danish goalkeeper whose last name I can't spell. He also bails to English, in order to be understood.
Goalies in da House! And this year's prize goes rather unsurprisingly (if you ask me) to Helgadottir. She's not there since she's off playing inAustralia , but instead sends her coach in a grey suit to fetch it. I'm disappointed, since goalies are always fun to see dressed up.
A review of Damallsvenskan 2012, with Mittag sitting right there in the audience, watching the replay of her muffed penalty kick. That was a little cruel. Now I (almost) feel sorry for her.
It's true, our hulking physiques make us a good challenge for the fashion-makers of the world. <cough, cough>
Defender of the Year, baybeee! I never think the right person gets it, so let's see for 2012. And the winner is... Emma Berglund. Nothing's changed, in other words. (Röddik Hansen for me.)
Actress Helena af Sandeberg presents the defenders, and has a fan-girl moment right there on the stage, gushing about Sundhage, and also the team from 2003. That was cool and fun. Was she a Bond girl back in the 80s? The green satin half-torn-away dress is a more than a little reminiscent.
Landström at a table in the background, looking a little curly. And Elin Rubensson gets the Baby 'Baller award. In fact, both are wearing black and looking curly.
Hooray for The Electrical Rubensson! But I missed Landström, was that during årets genombrott, or after? omg, Tina Nordlund!