It was an even match between two world-class national teams at Wembley in England. Sweden were careful in the defensive game and stood up with a couple of really sharp goal chances to also win the match – but 1-1 was a fair final result.
– A strong performance, says union captain Peter Gerhardsson in SVT.
Second-placed England against third-placed Sweden in the last World Cup play-off in Australia and New Zealand in the first match of the European Championship qualifiers. 63,248 spectators at Wembley followed the match which was even and exciting.
Sweden played a good game and kept England well in check – but also created chances to win the game which ended 1-1.
– It was physically very tough. A tough match, but I think we stand up very well and I think we should be satisfied. We must be satisfied. A point is always a point, now we will build on this, says Fridolina Rolfö in SVT.
Rolfö, who was back in the national team for the first time since the WC, was also the one who gave Sweden the point with his goal in the middle of the second half.
But it was England who took the lead. In their first longer attack, Lauren James hit a cross to a very free Alessia Russo who headed in 1-0. And it was just minutes after Rolfö made his way deep and finished just outside Mary Earp’s left post.
1-0 was the half-time score, and national team captain Peter Gerhardsson was satisfied with the first 45 minutes.
– We have very good counter attacks, even if we don’t get to the last third, and defend very well in the first half.
The Swedish high pressure also paid dividends in the second half. The English had desperately struggled to play their way through the Swedish defence, which was also reflected on the pitch.
– We are physically strong and I think we are annoying for our opponents. It was heard on the field and that’s where we want to be, notes Rolfö, who also became a goalscorer in his comeback.
Rosa Kafaji, who barely had time to be substituted, hit a cross directly at Stina Blacksteniu’s throw-in and reached the far post where Rolfö was waiting and nodded in the 1-1 goal. A very nice Swedish goal.
In fact, Sweden came close to taking the lead just four minutes later, in the 67th minute. Filippa Angeldahl took notice of the huge spaces Blackstenius had in front of him and hit a fine deep ball. Blackstenius ran free but the finish went a few centimeters wide.
– It’s a great location and it’s a shame that I can’t manage it. I will think about it tonight, she lamented on SVT afterwards.
England also had, for example, a golden double chance with only minutes left in the match. Lauren Hemp got the chance twice again when first Jennifer Falk came out quickly and saved the lead. The finish went out to Hemp again who this time was stopped by Magdalena Eriksson next to the chair prot.
The match ended fairly 1-1 and several of the Swedish players were responsible for very fine efforts.
Now France is waiting for Gamla Ullevi on Tuesday at 19:00.
