It’s 10:36 pm on Monday evening in Milan. Italy’s final long ball forward made its way into the Swedish penalty area and Ludwig Augustinsson and co. managed to clear the ball, before the final whistle rang around the stadium. It’s a rarity to see sheer ecstasy after a 0-0 draw but the San Siro hosted a blue and yellow Scandinavian party after the final whistle. Werder spoke to the full-back after “Ludde” booked his place at the 2018 World Cup.
“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.”
On Tuesday morning, Ludwig made his way back to Bremen and has his mind set firmly on club football again. “I’m happy with the decision the club has made regarding the new first team head coach. We played well in stages against Frankfurt”, stated Augustinsson. The Swede is optimistic ahead of the upcoming fixtures. “I’m coming back full of confidence and positive energy. The left-back also called upon the Green-Whites’ 12th man to get behind them after a tough start to the season so far. “They are there for us every week and are undoubtedly the best fans in the league. They deserve to be able to celebrate again”, added the Scandinavian, before the upcoming game with Hannover 96.
