The stadium was buzzing with anticipation as the all the fans were waiting for kickoff during the World Cup match between Norway and Sweden. The air was electric, filled with the energy of thousands of fans waving flags, singing chants, and proudly wearing their team colours, for some it was just wearing a shirt, for others it was face paint and for the extremists it was dying their hair. For most, this is just another high-stakes game between two fierce rivals, but for Frida and Emma, it's much more than that.
Frida stood on the pitch, her heart racing as she glances over at the opposing team. She caught sight of Emma, her girlfriend, warming up with the rest of the Swedish squad. Emma's brunette hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail, her focus sharp as she prepares for the tough game ahead. Despite the seriousness of the occasion, Frida can't help but smile softly. It's surreal to think that they've gone from sharing quiet mornings and playful banter to facing off on one of the world's biggest stages, a stage that had recently gained hundreds of thousands of peoples attention in less than a year.
They both knew this match might come, but that doesn't make it any less strange. When the World Cup groups were announced, they had joked about the possibility, laughing over dinner about what it would be like to play against each other. But now that it's real, the stakes feel higher than ever. This isn't just a match between two nations; it's a test of their relationship, their professionalism, and their ability to balance love with competition.
The referee's whistle cuts through the noise, signalling the start of the match. Frida quickly refocused, pushing thoughts of Emma to the back of her mind. She knows she can't afford to be distracted. This is the World Cup, and Norway is counting on her, even if they don't like women's football she owes it to them to win this, to try win the world cup. She positioned herself in midfield, ready to do everything in her power to help her team in any way possible.
Emma, plays in the Swedish defence, does the same. She locks eyes with Frida for a brief moment, a silent acknowledgment of what this game means. But then the whistle blows, and they are no longer partners, they are opponents, each fighting for their country, their pride, and a place in the next round.
The game begins at an incredible pace which didn't let up for a while, both teams determined to gain the upper hand. Frida is everywhere, weaving through Sweden's defence, delivering precise passes, and battling for possession. While Emma stood strong in the back, her eyes scanning the field, anticipating Frida's every move, ready to block, tackle, or intercept.
Despite the intense competition, there's an underlying respect between them. They both play hard, but fair, never crossing the line into aggression. There are moments when Frida gets past Emma, and moments when Emma shuts Frida down.
As the first half progressed, the game remains evenly matched, neither side able to break the deadlock. Every time Frida touches the ball, she feels the pressure mount, knowing that one mistake could cost Norway the game. But she also knows that somewhere on the pitch, Emma is feeling the same weight, knowing that her job is to stop the person she loves from achieving her dream.
Halftime arrived rather quickly with the score still tied, and both teams retreat to their respective locker rooms. Frida feels the sweat on her brow, the adrenaline pumping through her veins. She's tired, but there's no room for exhaustion, not with so much at stake.
The coach quickly gave a speech, encouraging the team to push harder, to fight for every inch, to win this game, to make their country prouder than what they already are. Frida nodded along, but her thoughts drift to Emma, wondering what's being said in the Swedish locker room, wondering how Emma is feeling.
When they return to the field for the second half, the intensity ramped up even further. The tackles became harder, the passes crisper, the shots on goal more frequent. Both teams are desperate for a breakthrough, the moment everyone had been waiting for this game, and it's Frida who nearly provided it.
She made a brilliant run, weaving through Sweden's midfield, and finds herself one-on-one with Emma. For a split second, their eyes meet again, and there's a flicker of something, possibly understanding, maybe even admiration but it was gone just as quickly as it came.
Frida took the shot, a powerful strike aimed at the top corner, but Emma is ready, jumping up blocking the ball with perfectly timing. Frida lets out a frustrated sigh, but there's no time to dwell. She has to get back into position, to keep fighting.
As the clock began ticking down, it becomes clear that this match might not be decided in regular time. The tension in the stadium is palpable, and Frida can feel her nerves fraying. But she's also determined, more than ever, to give everything she has. She pushes forward, making one last desperate attempt to break through Sweden's defense.
But Sweden held strong, and the whistle blows, signalling the end of regular time which soon turned into the end of extra time. The game will be decided by penalties.
Frida and Emma exchanged a glance as they head to their respective sides. This is it... one of them will win, and one of them will lose. The realisation is bittersweet, but they both know they have a job to do. After all, this is the point of the game.
The penalty shootout is nerve-wracking, they always are. Players step up, take their shots, and either celebrate or hang their heads in pity. When it's Frida's turn, she takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knows Emma is watching, knows that this moment could define the game. She steps up, strikes the ball cleanly, and watches as it sails past the goalkeeper into the back of the net. Relief floods through her, but it's not over yet.
Emma's turn comes shortly after. She walks up to the spot with the same determination she's shown all game. Frida watches, holding her breath, as Emma takes her shot. The ball flies toward the goal, but the Norwegian keeper makes an incredible save, diving to her left to keep it out, barely getting her hand to it. Half the crowd erupted into cheers, and Frida felt a mix of joy and sorrow. Norway is one step closer to winning, but she knows what that means for Emma, her dreams this World Cup is over.
When the final penalty was taken, and Norway emerged victorious, the stadium explodes in cheers. Frida is swept up in the celebrations, her teammates hugging her, jumping up and down, shouting with joy. But as the euphoria settles, her thoughts immediately turn to Emma.
Amidst the chaos, Frida searches for her. When she finally spots Emma, standing alone on the pitch, looking deflated, Frida doesn't hesitate. She broke away from her celebrating teammates and walks over to her. Emma looks up as Frida approaches, and there's a brief moment where neither of them says anything.
Frida pulls Emma into a tight hug, holding her close as if trying to shield her from the pain of the loss. "You played brilliantly," Frida whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
Emma nods against her shoulder, grateful for the comfort. "So did you," she replies, her voice trembling. "I'm proud of you."
They stand there for a few moments, wrapped in each other's arms, letting the world around them fade away. In this moment, they aren't opponents or rivals—they're just two people who love each other, supporting each other through the highs and lows.
When they finally pull apart, Frida gives Emma a soft smile. "You've got it next time, I can tell by the way Sweden played today, you were just unlucky" she says, her tone reassuring.
Emma nods, wiping away a tear. "Yeah, at least now I get to watch you win this thing."
A/n: Why are these so difficult to write... it might be the third person?
