Palle: Danish when it came to football – but not ice hockey

We were not alone.

Sweden would meet Denmark in football and 26,830 others had also made it to Ullevi in ​​Gothenburg. It was a while ago, this story attracts in the 70s, the time when Ralf Edström usually had the air lord in the penalty area.

– It was during the match that I first identified myself as Swedish. It happened in the 48th minute.

Said Torben, as my big brother is called. The year was 1973 and Sweden had just taken the lead in the form of a Tjottblängare from Sten Pålsson (Gaisare otherwise). Our Danish father asked which country my excited brother was actually doing. Our also Danish mother stood next to the stand, it was the first and only football match she ever proved. Brollan hesitated.

– It was a difficult question, I had to confess color. Blue yellow or white red? I thought about a small blow, and since that moment I have felt Swedish.

The match waved back and forth. It was exciting. Dad swore in broad Jutland, he never really learned to speak Swedish. When he visited Denmark in the summers, he was called « Swedish devil ». Mom, whose Danish mining sounded more like Småland, had a completely different view of the match. « Why do players number ten have their socks down? »

What is identity?

Dad felt like Danish when it came to football – but not ice hockey. Mom’s despair was great when he, in front of a hockey World Cup, bought a swindle Luxor 24-inch (color) TV behind her back. Sweden came second after the Soviet Union and Dad was quite satisfied. The TV broadcasts were technically slim and were mostly dominated by the sign « temporary interruption »-but it was in color anyway.

In a conflict -filled time where much negative energy is cultivated in the space between VI and they are often the focus. To be able to point out someone like « them », one must take holds against what is defined as « we ».

It may be something innocent as A Danish father who wonders which country his son really cheers on. It may be a political leader who, with an accusing finger, wants to point out entire groups of people as opponents.

The international match at Ullevi ended 1-1 after Keld Pedersen acknowledged with a Danish goal in the 73rd minute and when the referee blew off all the arena-no one really satisfied. Besides Mom:

– It was nice with a draw. Now no one needs to feel sad.

Read More boutsfor example Palle About the difficult thing about writing introductions. And closures.