FIFAworldcup.com: Where did you see the game?
Anja Parson: I saw it live at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with my friend Tina Nordlund, who was a Swedish international footballer until 2002. A lot of the game was quite frustrating, the players didn’t look as if they were getting stuck in and weren’t putting their opponents under enough pressure. But I knew they’d score in the end. You could feel it; they went close a number of times and got in a few good efforts on goal.

What was the atmosphere like in the stadium and around the city?
The stadium was awash with yellow and blue, it was fantastic. It was great walking around Berlin today - there were so many happy people about, and loads of Swedish fans. It’s wonderful to see how many people are here to support Sweden, even if it’s just for 90 minutes. They’ve come all this way just to party. I know what it feels like to be cheered on by your fans, and the lift it gives you when they really get behind you. I’m over the moon at being able to support my team at the FIFA World Cup here in Germany. We’re hoping to make it to the semi-finals like we did in 1994 - fingers crossed!

As a World Cup winner yourself, how does it feel to be crowned world champion?
It’s not the same for us skiers; the World Cup happens every year. This World Cup is a completely different kettle of fish; it only happens once every four years, like the Olympics, and that’s what makes it unique.

If Sweden don’t make it to the semi-finals, who will you support?
England, definitely.

Who is your favourite player?
Ronaldinho, I love the way he plays the game.

Who will make it through to the Final?
I don’t know, I don’t even dare dream that Sweden will make it… but my dream Final would be Sweden-Brazil. It’s more likely to be England-Brazil, though.

What are you doing now?
I’m currently recovering from a knee injury, but shortly I’ll be starting up a children’s ski school.

What’s the best game you’ve ever seen?
Sweden in 1994, I think it was in the quarter-final.

Source: WCoffsite