Hanna Glas plays football again.
The substitution in Friday's European Championship qualifying match against France was her first competitive match in 717 days.
It means an enormous amount. I don't think I've fully grasped it yet, says the Swedish right-back.
On July 26, 2022, Glas started the European Championship semifinal against host nation England at Bramall Lane in Sheffield (0–4). Until Friday, it was her last competitive match.
That same autumn, the right-back injured her knee during a World Championship qualifying gathering and was forced to undergo surgery. After setback upon setback in rehabilitation – she has still not made her debut for club team Kansas City, which she joined in February 2023 – she is now back.
"Enjoyed every minute"
In the 84th minute of Sweden's European Championship qualifying match away against France, she was substituted in. She could not prevent the 1–2 loss, but still beams afterwards.
Fantastic fun. I enjoyed every minute out there, says Hanna Glas.
How many days has it been since you played?
I've stopped counting, there are so many. Too many.
It turns out to be 717 days between the European Championship semifinal in 2022 and Friday's match.
How has this wait been?
I've just tried to be patient. I knew it would come, so I just tried to keep it in mind and do my best to be as ready as possible when the chance came.
Gerhardsson: Great to see
Sweden's national team coach Peter Gerhardsson is another who is delighted with the long-awaited comeback.
It's great that she's back. She's been a player who has been very important for us in all championships. It's strong to come back, great to see her on the pitch, says Gerhardsson.
