Amanda Ilestedt (4th L) of Sweden scores her header in the group G match against Italy at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand, July 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Sweden secured a last-16 berth after thrashing Italy 5-0 in the Women's World Cup Group G.
WELLINGTON, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Sweden showed their commanding ability in aerial duels as they scored thrice through corners to beat Italy 5-0 in the Women's World Cup here on Saturday, sealing a last-16 place with one round to spare.
Sweden carved out a hard-fought win in the opening match as they turned around South Africa 2-1, while Italy beat Argentina 1-0 thanks to Cristiana Girelli's late winner.
Italy was aggressive from the beginning as Sofia Cantore tested Zecira Musovic just under one minute into the game, before Lucia Di Guglielmo hit the side net, but Sweden managed to weather that early siege and built up their advantage soon.
The No. 3 in FIFA's ranking broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Amanda Ilestedt headed a Jonna Andersson's corner into the net.
Sweden quickly rode the momentum as they added another five minutes later when another Andersson's corner fell for Fridolina Rolfo to find the net.
Stina Blackstenius of Sweden stops the ball during the match. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
The bronze medalist of 2019 World Cup ran riots in the stoppage time when a great teamwork tore Italy's defense apart, and Johanna Kaneryd rolled across for Stina Blackstenius to tap in.
Sweden kept dangerous in set-piece as they put together a series of corners straight after the break and scored in the 50th minute as Ilestedt bagged a brace thanks to Andersson's assist.
Italy's attacks hardly threatened Sweden's goal and the Yellow and Blue rounded the scoreline in the dying minute when a long ball found Rebecka Blomqvist who dribbled past the defenders to beat Francesca Durante one-on-one.
With the win, Sweden has already secured the berth for next stage, while Italy, South Africa and Argentina all kept their last-16 spot hopes alive.
Sweden will meet Argentina in the third round on next Wednesday, while Italy takes on South Africa. ■
