Barking debutant Emma Kullberg: "Shocked"

Örebro's Emma Kullberg was one of two debutants who were selected in the first national team squad after the World Cup success.

The 27-year-old Örebro hill followed the selection online, and was shocked when her name was read by Peter Gerhardson.

"It was so fun, really," she told SVT Sport a few minutes later.

You didn't feel it?

- So, I probably didn't dare hope for it, because there are so many good players.

Emma Kullberg, national team player! How does it feel to hear it?

- Oh ... Well, I don't really know. I haven't really been able to digest it yet. I'm really happy right now.

The Umeå product Kullberg is one of a "late bloomer" who made a damall Swedish season with Vittsjö 2012, and ten matches with Umeå 2009-10, but then was away from the top series for seven years - before she was acquired after last year's victory in the elite with Kungsbacka by Örebro.

But the union captain Gerhardsson paid tribute to Kullberg at today's press conference.

- It's a player we've been watching. It is one of the best center slopes in allsvenskan, which will add qualities. Partly in terms of speed, but also courage and character, he said, and continued:

- It's a brave player, with leadership qualities. She manages a lot in the back line, and is also fit. It will be interesting to see her in this environment.

When Kullberg herself describes her strengths, her shock after the selection is clear.

- I would say I'm good at reading the game and good at ... Defending. So, sorry! I don't know what to say. I'm almost shocked, it's just so much fun!

Kullberg has 21 U19 internationals and one U23 international on the track record, dating back many years. The other debutant, Ronja Aronsson, 21, has played 48 international matches at the youth and junior levels. Most recently with the U23 national team against China in June.