Hedvig Lindahl

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Footballgirls everywhere have had to hear how terrible footballgirl goalkeepers are, for years. They grab the air as goals go over their heads and from their kicking and speed to the decisions they make it seemed it would never end.

Then the world had a chance to see the amazing Hedviig Lindahl. Leaading a new generation of goalkeepers at the top of their game..Colombia's St Pauls High school girls had these questions for the ''best goalkeeper in the world.

Why did you become a goalkeeper?
Maria, 12

Hedvig - I think I felt that I was skilled at playing as a goalkeeper. It was fun and it involved jumping and throwing myself around. Wouldn't everyone love that? :)

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The best save you ever made. When and what was the situation?
Alejandra, 16

Hedvig - I don't know. I haven't done that yet. I've done some good saves but none have been good enough to be called the best, yet.

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What do you think about when you are standing in goal during the game?
Monica,13

Hedvig - Different things. Sometimes I'm more focused on my feelings and sometimes I just think about what has to be done. Most of the time I probably think of tactics: where to run, where to pass, and so on.

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Do you think it is important to be tall because I'm not the tallest goalkeeper?
Natalia, 13

Hedvig - It can be important, but I wouldn't say it's the most important thing. If one wants to become one of the world's best goalkeepers, then you need to have some height of course - or be able to jump really high!

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When you stop playing how will you want to be remembered?
Maria Angelica, 12

Hedvig - I would want people that are talking about goalkeepers to mention me or remember me as a goalkeeper with big talent. A goalkeeper with feeling/passion for the game and big potential. Hopefully they could also say that I reached my full potential.

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My father was a goalkeeper and says I should try it. What is so good about playing in goal?
Estefania, 15
Hedvig - It's fun! It's a big responsibility and you get to catch the balls with your hands! I don't know if that's odd, but I just love to catch things.

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What do you eat before playing in a game?
Juana, 15

Hedvig - I don't have any special meals I always eat, but I try not to eat too fatty food on the day of the game, or food that takes a long time to digest (like some meats), as this will give me a *håll*.
The day before a game I try to eat more carbohydrates.

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Do you have any superstitions?
Elvira, 15

Hedvig - Well, I wouldn't say I do, except for on: knock on wood just in case I think something will go badly.

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When things are going bad how do you pick your spirits back up?
Tatiana, 13

Hedvig - I try to tell myself that every experience is developing, to help me let go of the bad things that happened.

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Which keepers did you like/admire when you were younger and why?
Valentina,12

Hedvig - I did like Peter Schmichel. Why? I don't remember, but I guess it was because that was the only goalkeeper I knew. I had an action figure of him.

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Is it hard to be inspired when you are the best?
Marcela, 14

Hedvig - It can be hard sometimes, but I still haven't reached my vision and that gives me new energy after a while. It does take a lot of energy to find new roads to walk on, but I think I'm doing okay so far.

/Hedvig Lindahl