Ireland, known for their low and compact defensive play, went out on the offensive and surprised in the pressing game.
It created surfaces that Sweden exploited.
Women’s national football team
Sweden paid tribute to Marika Domanski Lyfors ahead of the EC qualifier against Ireland
Swedish referee despite the victory against Ireland in the EC qualifier
In the 26th minute, Kosovare Asllani served a free Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who without hesitation pushed in the lead goal – the winger’s fourth in the national team shirt.
In the 30th minute of the match, Sweden screamed for a penalty after Ireland’s Jessica Ziu aimed a hard penalty between the legs of Filippa Angeldahl, but the referee chose to free.
Rytting Kaneryd two-goal scorer
In the second half, the newly crowned Champions League champion Fridolina Rolfö scored 2-0 for Sweden and the lead was later extended to 3-0 when super hot Rytting Kaneryd stayed in front on a rebound.
– An incredible relief. We knew we needed to win this game. What we talked about before was the duel game, we know that Ireland are incredibly physical, and I think we set that today, says the hero of the match afterwards.
You are highly praised after this match, you seem to be in a flow?
– Yes, I feel that I have self-confidence. It’s a match picture that suits me. I get to run a lot, have a lot of one-on-one situations. I’m enjoying playing soccer right now.
The tribute to Domanski Lyfors
The victory is Sweden’s first in the European Championship qualifiers (after a draw against England and a loss against France), where two direct spots for the championship in Switzerland are up for grabs.
Before kick-off, the Swedish players sent a greeting to national team manager Marika Domanski Lyfors, who is undergoing treatment for a malignant brain tumor.
See all three goals in the player above.