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Sweden's heartbreak after 'magical summer'

"An entire Swedish people says thanks for the show," writes Expressen the night after the hosts bowed out to Germany. UEFA.com rounds up the press reaction to the semi-final loss.

It was the end of the line for Sweden last night
It was the end of the line for Sweden last night ©AFP/Getty Images

Sweden's UEFA Women's EURO 2013 run has been front-page news in the host country, Pia Sundhage's team capturing the public's imagination in a way not matched since the men's side won bronze at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Like that squad in the United States, the women fell to a narrow semi-final defeat, pipped 1-0 in Gothenburg by holders Germany on Wednesday night. UEFA.com rounds up this morning's press reaction in Sweden.

Malin Jonson, Göteborgs-Posten
Pia Sundhage walked around Gamla Ullevi with her back straight, thanking the Swedish fans after conquering a love that had been forgotten for ten years. She did not run a joyous lap of honour like she did at Örjans vall on Sunday, but she walked proudly. That is exactly the way for this team to end its journey. At the [FIFA Women's] World Cup in Canada in two years, Sweden will have every chance of arriving as one of the favourites for gold.

Johan Esk, Dagens Nyheter
There will be new matches – but none like this one. There will be new tournaments – but none like this one. This country has felt football fever spread from north to south, east to west and above all from old to young. It has been a celebration of football, a celebration for families. It carries on but without Sweden.

Anja Gatu, Sydsvenskan
We will experience new great moments with this team. Sweden will beat Germany. But not in a championship on home turf, not in front of this blue-and-yellow sea that stood up to salute the Swedish team that, after a moment of tears, dragged itself around the arena, led by coach Pia Sundhage. Sundhage has left the nation spellbound and she was so disappointed, so close to tears, yet so grand in the moment of defeat. She bowed to the crowds, humble and grateful. It's so sad that it's over now.

Johanna Reimers, Expressen
At the end of the day this will be remembered as one of those magical EURO summers when the women's national team – once again – played their way into the hearts of the people. An entire Swedish people says thanks for the show. And already looks forward to the next.