Despite not seeing any action while he was away on international duty, Swedish defender Adam Johansson relishes the chance to be in the mix for his country.
Adam Johnasson flew halfway around the world and back to join the Swedish National Team for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Faroe Islands and Germany.
He didn’t play in either match, but Sweden got four points from the games and Johansson came back with a smile after witnessing one of the more impressive comebacks in recent memory.
After a 2-1 win over Faroe Islands, Sweden faced the No. 2 ranked team in FIFA’s world rankings on their home turf when they met Germany in Berlin on Tuesday.
The first half went about as one would expect when then second-ranked team met the 21st-ranked team, with Germany bursting out to a 3-0 lead off of two goals from Miroslav Klose and another from Per Mertesacker. Mesut Ozil would add another in the 55th minute and it looked like Germany would be able to coast to the victory.
Instead, Sweden powered back.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in the 62nd minute and Mikael Lustig, Sweden’s starter at right back, scored in the 64th minute. It was 4-2 and Sweden had stolen all the momentum.
Johan Elmander scored in the 76th minute and finally Rasmus Elm netted the equalizer in a frantic stoppage time, keeping Sweden unbeaten at 2-0-1 and second in the group standings behind only Germany (3-0-1).
“It felt like a loss – like we were going to lose. In the second half, I don’t know what happened. Until then, it was completely their game,” said Johansson. “It was amazing for us. It was great for Sweden. Getting a point there is tough and the way we did it was amazing.”
After the match, Johansson returned to Seattle, arriving with just enough time to get to CenturyLink Field to watch their scoreless draw with Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night.
Though he didn’t play in either match for Sweden, he is still grateful for the opportunity to put on the shirt of his native country.
“I know they were pleased with what I did there. It’s just that at the moment, I’m the second choice,” Johansson said. “I did well and it was nice being there.”
Johansson will be available for the Sounders in their match on Sunday against FC Dallas. Kickoff for Fan Appreciation Night is scheduled for 6 pm, with national television coverage on ESPN.
