Two knee injuries in two years meant that Estavana Polman missed both the European Championships 2020 and this summer's Olympics in Tokyo.

But in Spain, Polman, who was named the most valuable player in the 2019 World Cup when the Netherlands won gold, is back in the national team.

- It's really wonderful, I'm like a small child.

I really enjoy it and am happy to be here with the team, says Estavana Polman to SVT Sport.

However, the World Cup was not a matter of course but became a battle against the clock for the 29-year-old who admits that she is not ready for 60 minutes of play yet.

- I have a long way to go but I hope to get a few minutes and a better feeling for each match.

Then we'll see where it ends, but I have no stress.

"Key match before the main round"

The Netherlands, just like Sweden, has started with clear victories against Puerto Rico and Uzbekistan.

Tomorrow, the group final awaits the Swedes and a win there is almost a must to be able to reach the quarter finals.

- It is a very important match.

I think that both we and Sweden see it as a key match before the main round.

I think we are two equal teams.

If we stick to our game, I think we can win, but if we make a bad match, Sweden will win.

So it's 50/50.

But of course we go for victory.

How strong a team do you have compared to 2019 when you won gold?

- Pretty similar, we have a little more routine now.

But in a tournament, everything has to be right, a little luck here and a little luck there.

We have a good team and we can go a long way.

We do not have the best players but we can be the best team.

CLIP: 19 (!) Goals by Nathalie Hagman in Sweden's crush (5/12 2021)

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Target record by Hagman Photo: Bildbyrån