For a long time there was much that reminded of that EC semi-final two years ago. Just like then, Sweden started strongly in front of a large English crowd, just like then it was still the home team that took the lead a bit into the first half.
Lauren James was a little too undisturbed to hit the cross from the right and Alessia Russo was too undisturbed to head in 1-0 in the 24th minute.
But this time it didn’t flow to an English 4–0 victory.
Sweden’s high pressure disturbed England from the first minute and it continued over the half-time break.
Rolfö equalized
A matcho-trained Kosovare Asllani was one of those who ran the most in the Swedish team, but in the 62nd minute his stamina got tired. Then Häcken’s starlet Rosa Kafaji stepped into the Milan midfielder’s place.
Less than two minutes later, she was behind the equaliser.
Hanna Lundkvist’s throw-in found Stina Blackstenius who played back to Kafaji on a tap-in. The 20-year-old outwitted his defender and then sent a perfect cross towards the far post where Fridolina Rolfö met with her forehead and nodded in 1-1.
Shortly after, Blackstenius had a golden opportunity to complete the turn as she raced into a free position, but the ball curled just wide of the post.
Sweaty saves by Falk
England also had their chances to decide, but a couple of sweaty saves by Jennifer Falk – including on Beth Mead’s attempt in the final minutes – put an end to it.
First and second in the group, which also includes France and Ireland, go directly to the European Championship. The third and fourth are forced to play in the playoffs this fall.
For Sweden, France is next waiting at Gamla Ullevi on Tuesday.