“It’s crazy, crazy,” said Aitana Bonmati, gasping, to FIFA moments after Spain’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden in their FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final.
“We’re in the World Cup final. The World Cup final. It’s unbelievable. It’s a very special moment. It’s an incredible feeling for all of us.
“Some of us are very lucky. We’ve won two Champions Leagues with Barcelona. We’ve played at Camp Nou many times. We have the record crowd – 90,000 people came to see us play. We’ve played in many big games with big crowds, great atmospheres.
“But playing a World Cup final in front of 75,000, it will be crazy. I can’t believe it’s going to happen. Am I in a dream? To play in a World Cup final is already very special, but this will be on another level.
“This tournament has been amazing for women’s football. The standard of football, the great games, the atmospheres. To get the chance to play in the final is something we’ve dreamed about for so long. It was a very tough match, so we’re very happy, relieved, proud, excited.”
Another reason for Bonmati’s pride was that Spain, empresses of art, got stuck in against their taller, stronger opponents.
“I think we played very seriously,” said the midfielder.
“We competed so well. Physically we were able to compete. It was a very tight match. Sweden had their moments, we had our moments.
“I think the win was down to everyone. The [starters], the substitutes – every one of us gave 100% and, if there was any less, we wouldn’t have made it.
“And we must say thanks to Olga [Carmona]. When Sweden equalized a few minutes earlier, it was a huge blow. Then I saw Olga score a great goal. Oh my God! We went crazy but then remembered we had to get through till the end!”
Salma Paralluelo, who grabbed Spain’s second in a 2-1 win in the quarter-finals, scored the first in a 2-1 win in the semis.
Bonmati applauded her Barca team-mate.
“Salma is unique player,” said Bonmati.
“She is so, so quick. She gives us so many options. Not just because of her speed, but because she’s so good technically and is a goalscorer.
“She has everything. She’s already a top player. I am sure she will get even better. It’s scary to think how good she can become. I’m very pleased she’s on our team. Playing against her wouldn’t be fun. I’m very happy for Salma.”
There was genuine sympathy, meanwhile, for another of her Barça colleagues: Sweden star Fridolina Rolfo.
“On one hand, I’m very happy,” said Bonmati.
“But on the other I’m very sad for Fridolina. She’s an amazing player and a very good friend of mine.
“It was hard trying to [console] her after the game. I could see how emotional she was, and this makes me sad. But that’s football. One team has to win.”
One more victory and Spain, written off by many after a demoralizing 4-0 thumping by Japan, will be world champions.
“Let’s enjoy tonight,” said Bonmati.
“We have to enjoy this amazing moment. Then we’ll start preparing for the final. We’ll watch the [Australia-England] game together, see who we get to play.
“But whoever it is, we will give it everything. Everything. This is a World Cup final!”
