IFK Värnamo honors the victims in Ørebro

In today’s match against Brentford B at Estadio Algarve, the Swedish team is playing with black ribbons to honor and remember the victims of the tragic mass shooting at a school in Ørebro on the 4th. of February. It’s almost unbelievable, but the match is also a comeback in The Atlantic Cup for Simon Thern, who took part in the first edition in 2011, and then as a player for Helsingborg. Now, at the age of 32, he is back where it all started. Just like his somewhat more famous father, Jonas Thern who was also a Värnamo player, he is an international for Sweden

Only 8 minutes into his comeback, Simon Thern sent his team into the lead. The first half was played at a high pace and the Swedes in particular created several good opportunities, very often with Thern in the lead role. After just under half an hour, the team from London were awarded a penalty when a great attack with speed and precision ended in an illegal tackle. Captain Ethan Brierly placed that penalty safely in the back of the net to make it 1-1, which was also the half-time score.

Despite many chances, the second half ended goalless. Thus it was clear for the first penalty shootout of the year, as it is when matches end in a draw in The Atlantic Cup. Brentford emerged victorious when Michael McSorley scored the Englishmen’s fourth penalty kick. Both goalscorers from the match were sure executors, as was Mohammed Alkaskadi for the Swedes, but a real miss from Wenderson Oliveira and when, in addition, Reggie Rose saved Luke Leroux’s attempt, good penalty shots from Ethan Laidlaw and Caelan Avenell ensured an extra point for Brentford.

In the stands a group of singing Swedes enjoyed the match in the nice sunshine in Algarve.