Last spring, Tyra Axnér made her debut in the Swedish women's national team when she was selected at short notice for the EC qualifying match against Turkey.

But it is only now, ahead of this week's international matches against Brazil, that the 20-year-old is in his first real national team meeting.

- I was very taken, very shocked.

Then I was a little nervous, but now I feel that it's just going to be so much fun, says Tyra Axnér about the reaction when she got the news that she was selected.

"Becomes lighter fluid"

Tyra Axnér has been playing in the Danish league for two years now but was brought up in Lugi, the club whose men's team was coached by father Tomas Axnér for many years.

Today, he is the national team captain for the Swedish women's national team.

- That is his job.

At home we are father and daughter, but in handball it is not like that.

Everyone in the national team has been very professional about it, says Tyra Axnér.

Do you feel any concern that there are those who question the selection of you?

- I have grown up with questioning and know that it is there.

But I've actually only used it as a driving force and when I get that "approach" I train even more and will show that I deserve my place, whether it's in the A team in Lugi or here in the national team.

It becomes lighter fluid.

There is a risk of criticism

Tomas Axnér and assistant confederation captain Johanna Wiberg both say that the entire management staff agreed to take Tyra to the internationals, which will be played on 29/9 and 1/10 and broadcast on SVT.

- It is clear that we have thought a little extra.

It certainly shouldn't be an advantage that she has a father who is the national team captain, and it shouldn't be a disadvantage either.

The assessment we have made is that she has a tip in her power and in her shot that makes her qualified to be in this national team, says Tomas Axnér.

Is there a risk that you will be criticized for your selection of your daughter?

- I think that can absolutely happen.

At every selection, it is healthy to question or push and shove who should be included and who should not be included.

Then, as the national team captain, I am the one who should have the best control.

This summer I have seen and worked closely with all youth national teams, I feel that I have created a very good picture of where we stand in Swedish handball.

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Tyra Axnér makes her first real national team collection