Women’s World Cup: Sweden thump Italy to qualify for last 16

Sweden confirmed their place in the second round of the Women’s World Cup with a match to spare after a five-goal demolition of Italy.

Amanda Ilestedt, Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius scored within the space of seven minutes at the end of the first half to put Sweden in control, before a second Ilestedt goal and a Rebecka Blomqvist strike completed the scoring after the break.

The result puts Sweden on six points in Group G and only a severe swing in goal difference would prevent the third-ranked side from progressing as group winners.

Italy remain two points ahead of group rivals South Africa and Argentina after they drew yesterday.

Two corners undid the Italy defence to open the scoring. First, Ilestedt rose highest to head in from close range before Rolfo pounced on a rebound at the far post.

Blackstenius put the result beyond doubt just before half time when she poked in from close range after a good Sweden move.

It was Ilestedt again at the start of the second half, and a near carbon copy of her opening goal when she headed in from yet another corner played into the six-yard box.

Substitute Blomqvist completed the scoring in stoppage time when she broke free of the Italian defence to place the ball into the bottom left corner.

Sweden go into the final group game on Wednesday knowing that a point against Argentina will be enough to seal top spot. For Italy, a draw against South Africa will be enough to progress if Argentina fail to beat Sweden.

Cover Photo: Flag of Sweden” by Florian Prischl is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .