Jim Gottfridsson did what he could from the stands when Sweden fell in the World Cup semi-final against the great nation France.

- I gave the advice I could from the stands, but it is very difficult to change anything from the stands.

But it's clear that you were there a bit at halftime and gave your impressions and thoughts, at the same time I'm such a person that I don't want to step in and direct anyone.

Because it's my gut feeling and they have to play their game, so I can only give tips and advice, says Jim Gottfridsson.

He says that it was tough to be forced to follow the match from the sidelines.

- Now I'm not going to swear, but it's very difficult.

You are, just like all 19,000, an expert up there in the stands and think you can do the best.

I think the boys put their heart and soul into this match.

Vincent Gerard (France's goalkeeper) makes probably 13-14 saves this match and it is quite decisive today. 

Gottfridsson continues:

-Imagine yourself if you trained for something that you dreamed about all your life and feel that you are one of the best players in the world right now, and get to sit in the stands.

Just one such thing.

And then you try to get your information out, it's frustrating.

I really wanted to play.

Solberg: "I can't even bear to answer"

In the quarter-final against Egypt, Gottfridsson sat on the bench with his hand bandaged after his injury and some believed that he should have sat on the bench and given tips during the semi-final as well.

But confederation captain Glenn Solberg chose to have 16 available players on the bench and Gottfridsson in the stands.

Would you like to sit on the bench?

- I always want to be involved, but it is Glenn who decides.

I fully understand him wanting 16 healthy players, says Gottfridsson.

Solberg is clear in his answer when he is asked if Gottfridsson should have been on the bench.

- I can't even bear to answer that.

If someone thinks that you should use a healthy player to have an injured player on the bench, then let them stand.

CUT: Andreas Palicka after the loss: "Nobody gets to the maximum level"

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be enabled to play video

Read more about browser support

Andreas Balicka was disappointed after the semifinal loss.

Photo: Bildbyrån/SVT