Sweden’s World Cup tournament got off to a sticky start in the pouring rain. South Africa unexpectedly took the lead, but the experienced Swedish team struggled for an important 2–1 victory.
Sweden beat South Africa 2–1 in the Women’s World Cup. The first game of our western neighbor got off to a slow start, and also South Africa Hildah Magaia completed the opening goal of the match at the beginning of the second half.
Sweden increased the pressure and in the 65th minute of the game, probably the team’s biggest star, representing Barcelona Fridolina Rolfö leveled the situation at 1–1. After that, Sweden persistently searched for the lead and failed from open positions. In the end, the experienced Paris Saint-Germain topper became the hero Amanda Ilestedt.
– I understand that the game involves nervousness, but still both myself and the players must have more courage in game situations, Sweden’s head coach Peter Gerhardsson said in an interview with Viaplay According to Expressen.
The medal favorite received criticism in the Swedish media as well.
– Sweden was close to a nightmarish start to the World Cup, writes Aftonbladet.
– (Stina Blackstenius) did not get into the game at all. He didn’t threaten in the attack end, and didn’t take advantage of the situations he got, Fotbollskanalen states in its player assessment.
– Sweden’s star team, which dreamed of its first championship since the 1984 European Championship gold, could breathe a sigh of relief, Dagens Nyheter summarizes.
As a precaution, Sweden also had to replace their star player Rolfö from the field in the 67th minute of the match. The player himself was satisfied that he could play the way he wanted.
– The knee feels just fine. That’s how it is, the knee worked and I’m happy about it, said Rolfö, who was injured in April For the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation SVT.
“There were beads of sweat on my forehead”
Sports expert Maija Saari sivalsi on Saturday evening gave an update: Sweden will rise to its own level after the EC disappointment.
– There were beads of sweat on my forehead from my pov, Saari admitted after Sweden’s opening match.
– South Africa managed to surprise. Sweden’s defenders had problems with vertical runs throughout the match, expert Tuija Hyyrynen evaluate.
He also said that Sweden’s experience was visible in the match and the team had faith that there will still be more goals.
– After all, it is an asset that Sweden can put (Caroline) Seger and (Lina) Quickly like players on the field. South Africa again did not make any substitutions in the final moments, Hyyrynen continued.
Saari also stated that Sweden’s experience brought an important opening win.
– Practiced patterns were seen in the team’s special situations. Sweden’s main game strength is an extremely tough weapon with which they can turn these games around.
Sweden’s 2–1 winning goal came from a header just as the actual game time was about to expire. Captain Kosovare Asllani delivered a hard corner kick close to the goal, where Ilestedt’s header was waiting.