Sweden are dominant in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, proving why they are the favourites to win the competition. The Swedish team came top in Group G winning all three matches in the group stages before meeting the defending champions in the last 16.
The third-ranked Swedish side have shown resilience and determination thus far in the competition, winning 2-1 against Banyana Banyana in their first match, scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes of the game, and winning on penalties against USA in what was a scintillating football match to watch.
Being a formidable team has been a key factor for Sweden, starting with their goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic who has been outstanding so far. It was a defining moment for the team when she displayed a brilliant performance during the penalty shoot-out against USA, Amanda Ilestedt also has been a key player for the team, with dazzling performance considering that she’s a defender, with four goals so far in the competition, one goal behind the top goal scorer, Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa.
Sweden beat another strong opponent, Japan 2-1 who were also the favourites to win the World Cup. Japan dominated group C, finding the net 11 times across the three games without conceding, before beating Norway 3-1 in the round of 16. It was a thriller, a game of two halves. Sweden had a good first half, taking a lead in the 32nd minute of the game before doubling the lead on a penalty spot in the second half.
Sweden are through into the semi-finals and will face Spain on Tuesday who beat Netherlands 2-1 earlier today. This means we will see a new name in the trophy in this year’s edition of FIFA Women’s World Cup, after both USA and Japan’s elimination.