Sweden Dominates Italy in a Stunning 5-0 Victory: Amanda Ilestedt Emerges as Hero in Last 16 Qualification
Sweden thrashes Italy 5-0 in an impressive display, securing a spot in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with a game to spare
Sweden secured a commanding 5-0 triumph over Italy in Wellington, propelling them into the knockout stage of the Women's World Cup with one match to spare. Three rapid goals just before half-time proved instrumental in their victory, with Amanda Ilestedt notching the first of her two strikes in the 39th minute by heading in Jonna Andersson's corner. Subsequent contributions from Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius ensured that the match was decisively settled before the interval.
Ilestedt scored again just after the second half began, making it her third goal of the tournament. Rebecka Blomqvist, who came in as a substitute, sealed the victory in stoppage time. Despite dominating possession in the beginning, Italy struggled to defend against Sweden's aerial attacks from corners, resulting in their largest defeat in a World Cup match.
Italy applied intense pressure early on, prompting Sweden's goalkeeper Zecira Musovic to swiftly save Sofia Cantore's shot within the opening minute. Shortly after, Cantore, a forward for Juventus, challenged the Chelsea goalkeeper yet again in the 17th minute. However, Sweden managed to progressively assert control over the game, and Ilestedt's initial goal sparked a torrent of scoring opportunities.
Five minutes later, Rolfo scored her second goal of the campaign with a close-range flick off her knee, taking advantage of the Italian defence's struggle to deal with another corner.
In first-half stoppage time, the third goal was scored from open play. Johanna Kaneryd broke down the right flank and crossed the ball to Blackstenius, who finished it off as the striker.
Ilestedt replicated her first goal in the 50th minute, once again heading in a corner from Andersson, making it a carbon copy.
Cantore failed to convert two chances in the 60th and 65th minutes, and in the final moments of the game, Valentina Giacinti missed a golden opportunity to score for Italy as her shot from the center of the box sailed over the crossbar.
Image:
After scoring Sweden's fifth goal, Rebecka Blomqvist celebrates with Olivia Schough. However, Blomqvist sealed the game by sprinting past the Italian defenders and placing the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
What's next?
Sweden will face Argentina in their last Group G match in Hamilton, New Zealand on Wednesday with a kick-off at 8am. Despite a detrimental blow to Italy's confidence, they still have the opportunity to progress to the last 16 if they manage to avoid a loss against South Africa in their final fixture.Italy will wrap up their group-stage campaign against South Africa in Wellington, New Zealand on Wednesday at 8am.
What is the Women's World Cup schedule?
The group stage has commenced and will continue for two weeks, culminating on August 3. The teams that secure first and second place in their respective groups will advance to the round of 16, scheduled from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals are set to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.
The first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, while the other semi-final will occur on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final, which will also be held at the Accor Stadium, is scheduled for August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
