“The tie with Italy was maybe the biggest game of my career to date” reflected the Green-Whites Number 5 after the win against the 2006 World Cup winners. Even on game day, Augustinsson wasn’t sure if he’d be able to take to the field. “When I woke up in the morning, I hate a sore throat, my head hurt and felt ill. Luckily, the physio gave me something that pepped me up so I was able to play the game in the event”, said the 23-year-old.
Before kick-off, Augustinsson got a taste of the atmosphere which would be awaiting him and his teammates in the infamous San Siro. “We couldn’t hear our national anthem as the fans were making so much noise. The atmosphere was immense as 80,000 fans were against us. It was an experience unlike any I’d had before.”
During the game, the hosts – as expected – attacked the Sweden goal furiously in search of a goal to revive their qualification hopes. Sweden could rarely get themselves out of their own half. “I think we played exceptionally well in the first leg. In Milan, it wasn’t a pretty game. Normally, you never look at the clock in a game but the Italians were forcing us further and further back and it was such an important game”, said Augustinsson about the crucial game. He went on to describe the scenes after the final whistle: “We were in the dressing room. It was crazy. Everyone was singing and celebrating. Everyone was jumping with joy and it was very emotional. It was a huge moment for all of us.”