14-year-old Valeria Cruz took the Forsberg shirt because she helped Sweden beat Greece
JOGEN
The 14-year-old ballgirl, Valeria Martinez Cruz, took the shirt of Emil Forsberg immediately after the end of the match between Sweden and Greece, because the midfielder of Leipzig asked her to return the ball later on the field.
Greece suffered a 2-0 defeat by Sweden in Stockholm in the World Cup qualifiers, however the victory of the Swedes came thanks to the “contribution” of a ballgirl, 14-year-old Valeria Martinez Cruz.
During a corner, Valeria asked for the shirt of Emil Forsberg, the scorer of the first goal of the Swedes, from the white ball. The Leipzig midfielder told her that he would give the shirt if she was late to return to the balls, as at that point Sweden had the lead.
The young ballgirl turns 15 in one month and plays football in the Swedish Estente. In her statements immediately after the match, she stressed that Forsberg is her idol and motivates her to play football.
THE Forsberg stated immediately after the match: “I told her to hold the ball a little longer and she did. She was good, so she took the shirt after the match. It was fun, it was important and it was a very good effort“.
Valeria stated immediately after the match: “I am very happy that he gave me the shirt, it was my first time as a ballgirl and I could not have had a better debut.
I first asked him if I could take his shirt and he replied that I could have it if I was calmer on the return of the ball and helped them save time. He asked very kindly, so of course he wanted me to help.
I have the shirt at home now. I’m trying to find a picture frame so I can put it in the room. Emil is my idol, so that motivates me“.