Sweden Surprised by National Anthem Snub Before Victory Over Norway

Sweden defeated Norway in the European Championship warm-up. However, the Swedish team was caught off guard when the second verse of their national anthem was omitted.

– I was very surprised, said Magdalena Eriksson.

The head coach appeared confused before the match began. Assistant Magnus Wikman nudged Peter Gerhardsson.

"What's happening?" wondered Gerhardsson.

"Du gamla du fria" ended abruptly.

– It was only half, wasn't it? said the head coach after the 2-0 victory.

The second verse was not played at Ullevål. Instead, it was time for "Ja, vi elsker dette landet."

– I was surprised. At first, I thought, "was it over there?" I wanted to sing the second verse. It's still the national anthem, and I don't know if it was a time constraint. There are national anthems that are incredibly long, and you wonder if they will ever end, but I think ours is good time-wise.

"I've Never Experienced That Before"

Have you experienced this before?

– No, never. I've never experienced that. I've been through some strange versions that were a bit questionable. But not that they've cut the second verse.

The Swedish players were also surprised.

– Of course, I noticed it. It was a short national anthem, so we had to adapt and only sing one verse today, said Kosovare Asllani.

– I was ready to sing the second verse, but it didn't come. I was very surprised, said Magdalena Eriksson.

– It felt like they had shortened it or skipped quite a bit. We were surprised when it ended so quickly and didn't know what had happened, said Hanna Bennison.

And was it a Norwegian jab?

– I really don't know if it was a mistake or intentional, said Bennison.

Norwegian Tease: "Won't Give Sweden That"

Norway's star Frida Maanum explains how it works at the Oslo arena.

– I didn't notice it, I don't know it well enough to notice. But it's probably standard here at Ullevål. It's always half, we won't give Sweden more than we get, she says with a laugh.

Peter Gerhardsson was pleased with the victory.

– It's derby feelings, you notice it in the victories. It's always a bit special.

– You always want to win against your friends and neighbors, so it was nice, he says.