There were tired legs on many Häcken players at the end of the first qualifying match against Arsenal. But both the outfield players and Jennifer Falk in goal managed to last the full match time.
We're being pushed back for large parts of the match. But we knew we would be and were prepared for it, says Jennifer Falk.
I thought we defended ourselves very well.
Despite some Häcken chances, it was Arsenal who had most of the play and most of the clear-cut chances.
Jennifer Falk stood in the way of everything – with good help from the post and her own face.
Afterwards, the national team goalkeeper needed treatment, but still came out for a short interview. There shouldn't be any danger for the return match next week either.
It's my neck. I've had some problems with it, and then I got that one on my temple, she says.
"Hits me"
The save – on Beth Mead's close-range header – came a bit on instinct.
I see that I won't make it out to take it before her, so I just try to make myself as big as possible and hope she hits me. Which she did, says Jennifer Falk.
Häcken coach Mak Lind is full of praise after the 1–0 win. Both about Falk and the rest of the team.
She's an incredible goalkeeper and makes important saves in important parts of the match. I hold her incredibly high, he says.
She deserves all the praise for what she does on the pitch and above all off the pitch.
"Heart in my throat"
Häcken had some problems with Arsenal's pressure, but handled it fairly well overall.
There were, however, some situations where the large number of passes between Falk and the defense looked like they could be in trouble, he admits.
We play in a way that gets your heart a bit in your throat sometimes. I hear it in the arena, says Mak Lind.
But there's a thought behind what we do.
