‘it’s All Just Wonderful’: Minnows Mjällby Win Unlikely Swedish Title For First Time

Mjällby scored doubly successful nan first half to unafraid a 2-0 triumph astatine IFK Gothenburg and declare a sensational first Allsvenskan convention title for nan unfancied nine from a mini sportfishing colony successful nan southbound of nan country.

Jacob Bergström scored pinch a close-range bicycle footwear successful nan 21st infinitesimal and Tom Pettersson poked location a 2nd extremity 7 minutes later arsenic their broadside took an unassailable 11-point lead complete second-placed Hammarby pinch 3 games near to play.

“It’s thing I ne'er thought would hap successful my life,” Bergström said. “I’m truthful incredibly grateful for this group – we showed that a corporate tin return you incredibly far, we person a batch of players who springiness everything for Mjallby, it’s fantastic.”

Mjällby’s players and unit airs for nan photographers aft their stunning title success. Photograph: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT/Shutterstock

Hailing from nan Listerlandet peninsula, nan municipality of Mjällby boasts a organization of conscionable nether 1,400 group but draws support from each complete nan region of Sölvesborg, and much than 1,500 fans travelled to spot their broadside wrap up nan title.

With a fund dwarfed by nan likes of Hammarby and Malmö, clever scouting and a science-based attack provided nan foundations for their unthinkable triumph. IFK Gothenburg did small to problem nan visitors arsenic they rattled disconnected 22 attempts connected goal, pinch 10 connected target.

With his teammates donning golden hats and singing, Bergström, who is successful his 3rd spell astatine nan club, played down his first-half onslaught arsenic he celebrated successful beforehand of nan travelling fans.

Mjällby fans commencement nan statement aft their team’s 2-0 triumph secured nan convention title. Photograph: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT/EPA

“It was a half-bicycle kick,” he said joking. “I don’t deliberation it was what I dreamed of, it was much of a tap-in, I’m grateful,” nan 30-year-old added. “I’ve been present for 8 years (in total) and I person my champion friends playing present and it’s each conscionable wonderful, truthful I’m grateful,” he said.