The long-awaited World Cup premiere for Sweden took place at 07:00 on Sunday morning. South Africa stood for the resistance.
Blågult started the event energetically and went through several adjustment modes at the beginning. However, they did not create any clear chances.
In the 30th minute it was close. Filippa Angeldahl lifted a pass towards a running Stina Blackstenius – and the forward was about to reach it but goalkeeper Kaylin Swart rushed out and pushed the ball away.
On the subsequent corner, a penalty situation arose. Angeldahl fired a shot that took a South African arm but the referee chose not to blow.
Sweden continued to press in the first half and had some dangerous corners. In the 47th minute, Elin Rubensson tested from distance and almost scored a dream goal. The shot went just wide.
South Africa shocked Sweden
Two minutes into the second half came the first goal. South Africa netted and took the lead.
South Africa broke the deadlock and made it 1-0 through Hildah Magaia on a rebound from goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
Sweden counters
In the 65th minute came the Swedish answer. The ball was sent into the box and Fridolina Rolfö was able to knock in the equalizer to make it 1-1.
Then came the decision. Amanda Ilestedt reached the top of a corner in the 90th match minute and was able to head in 2-1.
The starting eleven were:
Sweden: Musovic – Andersson, Eriksson, Ilestedt, Björn – Rubensson, Asllani, Angeldahl – Rolfö, Blackstenius, Rytting Kaneryd.
South Africa: Swart – Holweni, Gamede, Mbane, Ramalpene – Biyana, Jane – Kgatlana, Motlhalo, Seoposenwe, Magaia.