The weather god Tlaloc was on Malmö’s side this weekend, providing...
Since Rosengård’s matches against Piteå have historically been low-scoring affairs decided by a single goal, I was bracing myself for another nail-biter. After watching Rosengård beat Eskilsminne 4–0 in the Swedish Cup last Wednesday, I hoped that victory would boost the team's confidence. In the first half, we saw a home team that showed the right attitude and created a few sharp scoring chances.
However, when referee Selma Griberg blew the whistle for halftime, the scoreline remained 0–0.
PiteĂĄ took control in the second half without creating any truly clear-cut chances. Then, the RosengĂĄrd coaching staff opted to make several substitutions, allowing the team to regain the initiative.
In the 81st minute — to the delight of the crowd — they scored the crucial winning goal. It was substitute Jo-Anne Cronquist who made all of Malmö IP erupt in cheers when she scored the breakthrough goal. It was a cross — or perhaps a half-shot — that sailed over the Piteå goalkeeper and found the back of the net. A goalkeeping blunder, according to Kenneth Mattsson, the club’s goalkeeping guru. But it didn't matter! The ball was in the net. Rosengård had won, three points were secured, and — most importantly — the team climbed out of the relegation playoff spot.
There was great joy at Malmö IP, and now we can only hope the victory gives the players even more confidence for the matches ahead. Another exciting encounter awaits as early as this Sunday. Rosengård will be taking the bus to the other side of Pildammsparken to face MFF — a team that has performed well in its second season in the OBOS Damallsvenskan and enters Sunday’s match as the favorite.
And for those wondering if we really are taking the bus from Malmö IP to the match: Yes! The game is classified as a high-risk match, meaning special rules apply — hence the bus ride.
There is sure to be a big crowd, so I really hope you have the chance to come and support Rosengård. We need all the support we can get to bring some points back to Malmö IP.
Let’s do this — all the way to the other side of Pildammsparken...