Blick: Amina Seferovic, how did you fare in the stands?
Amina Seferovic: I live through every Haris game very intensely, whether at home or in the stadium. But I’ve never seen such an emotional game. It was a roller coaster of feelings and emotions. When Haris scored the first goal, I burst into tears – with pride and joy. After the French caught up, I was disappointed. After the 1: 3 I didn’t really believe in it anymore. But the team kept fighting. When they caught up, it was sensational and hard to beat in terms of emotions. For me, Haris’ second goal was the icing on the cake of this outstanding comeback! From then on I only hoped that my strength would be sufficient and that luck would finally be on the Swiss side. So it was then. Unforgettable! Historical!
Were you able to look at the penalty shootout at all?
Yes, I was amazed myself how relaxed I was. But the Swiss made a huge game and for me they were the winners even before the penalty shootout.
You are expecting your second child. Don’t you need rest rather than excitement?
Well, most of all in pregnancy you need what is good for you. I am a very energetic and persistent person. During the whole pandemic, we were practically only at home. So far we haven’t really been able to do anything with our daughter. It’s good for me to finally come out and experience something special with Inaya. Supporting your father live at a European Championship, these are memories that will last a lifetime. I would like to give this to her. Fortunately, I have had a complication-free pregnancy so far and follow everything my doctor recommends and prescribes. If there was even the slightest risk or if my body gave me signals that it was too much, I would stay at home.
Did you actually hear your husband in the stands? Even after being substituted on, he still kept up.
We couldn’t hear him. But I can only imagine how he continued to support the boys. When it comes to football, he’s very temperamental.
At home he should be much calmer.
It really is. It is more of the dormant pole in our relationship. I’m generally the temperamental of the two of us.
Was Inaya able to see her papi from the stands?
Yes. We sat relatively close to the field, she could already see him warming up.
Inaya is not quite two yet. Has she been part of the excitement?
Of course, she still doesn’t really understand what is happening. But she already knows that Dad is working there now. Then Papa always shouts loudly and says “Goal”. I taught her that (laughs). Every time she sees a football game on TV, she says “Papa Goal”.
It seemed like Haris had cheered you on. Did he see you?
Yes. He knew our maps and where we were sitting.
For a long time he was not so accurate at major tournaments in the national team. Did you always believe that he could score at the European Championships?
Basically, I always believe in Haris and his ability. Regardless of the games. I never doubted him, even in his worst times. I know his qualities, I know what he has already achieved. He’s a giant fighter. In the course of his career he had to – and sometimes still has to – take a lot of criticism. Some players break because of it. I really admire the way he handles it. He is mentally unbreakable.
Now there is the famous ketchup effect. Nothing comes for a long time, then suddenly everything. Will he also score against Spain?
Hopefully!
Are you flying to St. Petersburg or do you and Inaya miss a game and then go back to the semi-finals?
If I continue to feel this good and remain symptom-free, we will also be in St. Petersburg on Friday.
What do you think Haris and the national team can do now?
Everything! You beat the world champion. The French were the top favorites, Switzerland won! Big tournaments are won by defeating big teams!
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Nati superfan back home: “It’s so surreal”(03:21)
Nati superfan back home: “It’s so surreal”(03:21)
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Victory against France: The best scenes from the EM party night(05:07)