Sweden 2-0 Argentina: Sweden set up last-16 match against USA
Sweden has topped Group G with their third consecutive win in the group stages at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The team continues to dazzle in this year’s tournament, not only winning all three matches but securing an impressive goal difference.
They now face a fairly lack-lustre USA in what will be a massive last-16 clash.
In their Argentina match, Sweden made nine changes to their lineup, clearly confident in their position in the group. But there was an initial lack of cohesion and Argentina certainly put up a fierce fight, making the opening hour of the game a tightly contested battle.
But the Swedish team’s class eventually prevailed. Rebecka Blomqvist showcased her brilliance, finding herself in the perfect position inside the box, she hammered home a powerful shot from Sofia Jakobsson’s cross, leaving the Argentinian defence stunned and unable to respond.
Argentina’s hopes of a late comeback were dashed when Blomqvist earned a penalty for Sweden after being fouled in the box. Elin Rubensson remained cool under pressure and confidently converted the spot-kick, putting the result beyond any doubt.
Sweden emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, showcasing their superior skills and determination to succeed.
For Argentina, their World Cup journey ends with mixed emotions. They have finished bottom of Group G – with just one point.
Sweden face USA in last-16 match
Sweden will need to maintain their incredible start to the 2023 Women’s World Cup when they face Team USA in the Round of 16.
The US had been tipped to win the World Cup but it’s been a tough start for the reigning World champions. The US beat Vietnam 3-0 in their opening game, but a Netherlands 1-1 draw followed by a 0-0 draw with Portugal left the US in second place in their group and only narrowly making it to the last-16.
A late shot – which bounced off the post – stopped the US from being knocked out in the group stages.
Whilst the US have had a poor start, they still have plenty of talent on the bench and are still very much in the tournament.
Sweden face the US on Sunday where they will be meeting each other for a sixth World Cup in succession – the seventh time overall at the finals.
The spoils have gone the Americans’ way in four of the previous World Cup meetings and 23 of the 42 games between them overall.