Despite a big game advantage for Sweden, it took a long time before the Women’s Crowns managed to close the match.
Sweden first lost 2–0 to 2–2 in the second period, only to regain the lead 24 seconds later through Hilda Svensson’s spot kick to make it 3–2.
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In the third, Sweden continued to press, even though it was Japan who were in desperate need of points. And five minutes into the period came 4–2, a goal that opened the door for Sweden, who barely six minutes later closed the game completely when Sara Hjalmarsson carefully put the fifth on a rebound.
Sweden eventually won 6–2 after an empty net goal, and is now in a good position to avoid the giants USA and Canada in the quarter-finals.
– It was a bit shaky at 2-2. But we all had faith in the team and the idea of the game, and it ended well, says the two-goal scorer Josefin Bouveng to SVT Sport.
The series victory is between Sweden and Germany, who play the final group stage tomorrow at 17:00 Swedish time.
– We want to put ourselves in as good a position as possible before the quarter-finals, so now it’s just a matter of recharging for tomorrow, says Bouveng.
See Sweden’s goal against Japan in the World Cup