Monday, June 24, 2019

FRANCE 2019: Sweden edge Canada to set up a quarter-final against Germany: Blackstenius goal and Lindahl penalty save proved decisive

1CIV9345_2019062471537525

  • Germany beat Sweden 2-1 AET in the 2003 final


  • 17:06

    Sweden escape the same hurdle

    Sweden, who were eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2015 by Germany, avoid falling at the same stage.
    17:01

    Swedes rally to go through

    It was all about the second half for the Swedes in Paris. The quick thinking of Asllani and the Blackstenius goal changed the tone of the game. After that we saw a more confident, creative Sweden. But it could have all been for nothing when Canada got a penalty. However, veteran Hedvig Lindahl showed just why she is considered one of the best goalkeepers in Swedish football history and made a brilliant save - and when it mattered the most. A huge confidence boost for the Swedes as they head into the quarter-finals. 


    Ball possession
    1Attempts0
    69%Pass Accuracy77%
    0 0 Disciplinary 0 0
    View All Statistics
    15:20

    Aerial duels

    This game has been awash with aerial challenges, with both sides looking to get the ball in the opposition box often.
    1CIV9345_2019062471537525

    15:18
    SWE
    Alexandra Jonson
    SWEAlexandra Jonson

    Defend and counter

    It's a rather expected start to the match. The Swedes believe the key to victory is to defend resolutely and attack on the counter.
    LG2_8824_2019062470536426

    15:16
    CAN
    Mona Yeganegi
    CANMona Yeganegi

    Even

    It's been a fairly balanced game so far. Sweden are showing great passing accuracy and proving to be a threat.
    LG2_8022_2019062471421506

    15:11
    SWE
    Alexandra Jonson
    SWEAlexandra Jonson

    The Swedish roar

    'Sverige, Sverige, Sverige' is echoing around the Parc des Princes. This support is something else.
    LG2_8752_2019062461940741

    15:08

    Canada start promisingly

    Canada mount some early pressure with crosses into the box. Caroline Seger does well at the back post to concede a corner.
    LG2_8818_2019062470536426

    15:05

    Class applauded

    A superb piece of control from Ashley Lawrence was warmly appreciated by the Canada fans.
    RHLL5070_2019062463500888


    The referee signals the start of the first period.
    14:58
    CAN
    Mona Yeganegi
    CANMona Yeganegi

    Germany await

    With the flags rolled out, the national anthems are playing under 29-degree heat in Paris. The stadium is on fire with excitement. Nerves are clear on many of the players’ faces.
    14:54

    Germany await

    Canada and Sweden are set to fight for the right to face Germany, who beat Nigeria 3-0 in the Round of 16, in the quarter-finals. 
    14:48

    A Swedish selfie in the stands

    1CIV9015_2019062464117086

    14:45
    Sweden Sweden
    Head-to-Head
    Canada Canada
    2
    Goals
    1
    Wins
    1
    Previous Matches
    0
    Draws
      0
      Wins
        1
        Goals
        View All Statistics
        14:44
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Final warm-up

        The players are on the field for their warm-up.
        EG038645_2019062462959622

        14:33
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Moller warning

        "We cannot come into a match not being right on our toes because if we do, it takes 90 minutes and then we're home," Kenneth Heiner-Moller

        14:31
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        Sweden changes

        Peter Gerhardsson again makes several changes to his line-up, reverting back to the same one he used in Sweden's opening match against Chile. It's a 4-3-3 on paper, with Asllani in an offensive role ahead of the Rubensson and Seger. One hurdle for Sweden to overcome is taking their chances - something Gerhardsson himself again commented on in the build-up.
        LG2_8778_2019062461935739

        14:19
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        Yellow numbers

        The Sweden fans are arriving in big numbers - yet again!: Definitely in the majority here tonight. "It means so much to have that support and it’s incredible fun to see that so many have actually travelled here to support us," Jonna Andersson told FIFA recently.
        14:16

        Swede shirts

        3CIV7639_2019062442700534

        14:11
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Canadian continuity

        Kenneth Heiner-Moller tested his line-up against the Netherlands, but this time the stakes are higher with even less room for mistakes. Once again, Canada will start in a 4-4-2 formation, but expect them to change in order to keep their opponents off-guard. Becky and Fleming will be the key players as they have proven themselves to be strong anchors for the team both defensively and offensively.

        RHLL7348_2019062485722775

        16:59

        16:59
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Out with pride

        Canada have been eliminated by Sweden in a game that was energetic, intense and exciting. Despite a strong start for Canada in the first half, Sweden gained control and created several dangerous opportunities. The second half followed a similar pattern with Sweden stabilising Canada, after which they applied pressure. With Canada pushing forward, the Swedes were ready to pounce on the opportunity from a counter-attack and scored. Canada’s players were visibly shaken, especially after a missed penalty. Regardless, this Canadian team and all Canadians should be mightily proud of their performances at France 2019.
        1CIV2053_2019062485713935

        16:57
        Sweden Sweden
        Statistics
        Canada Canada
        45%
        55%
        Ball possession
        Attempts
        9Attempts9
        2On-Target2
        6Off-Target5
        1Blocked2
        Disciplinary
        12Fouls Committed5
        2Yellow cards1
        0Second Yellow Card leading to Red Card0
        0Red Cards0
        Attacking
        3Corners8
        3Offsides2
        7Free kicks15
        2Saves1
        View All Statistics

        The referee brings the second period to an end.
        16:51

        Saviour Schmidt

        Sophie Schmidt redeems herself with a fine, last-ditch challenge on Kosovare Allani.
        90'+4'

        Anna ANVEGARD (in) comes off the bench to replace Stina BLACKSTENIUS (out) (Sweden)
        16:49

        Sinclair keeps trying

        Christine Sinclair, whose touches have oozed class when she's got on the ball, does well down the right to set up Sophie Schmidt, who blazes over from just inside the area.
        1CIV1429_2019062484618845

        16:47

        Penalty record

        22 penalties have been awarded at France 2019 - a joint-record for a FIFA Women's World Cup alongside Canada 2015.
        RHSL6978_2019062482722342

        89'

        Lina HURTIG (in) comes off the bench to replace Fridolina ROLFO (out) (Sweden)
        86'

        Desiree SCOTT (Canada) pulls off a save.
        The No11, with her goalkeeper beaten, crucially hacks the ball away from a goal which would have all but put the game to bed.
        16:41
        Sweden Sweden
        Statistics at 85'
        Canada Canada
        44%
        56%
        Ball possession
        7Attempts5
        72%Pass Accuracy78%
        2 0 Disciplinary 0 0
        View All Statistics
        85'

        Kadeisha BUCHANAN (Canada) is booked by the referee.
        16:41
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        Penalty practice pays off

        Peter Gerhardsson told us yesterday that the team had been practicing penalties and also had a bit of a look back to when Sweden and Canada played in Algarve in March - a match that went to penalties. Perhaps the secret behind Lindahl's brilliant save...
        1CIV0954_2019062482803528

        84'

        Rebecca QUINN (in) comes off the bench to replace Janine BECKIE (out) (Canada)
        84'

        Jayde RIVIERE (in) comes off the bench to replace Allysha CHAPMAN (out) (Canada)
        16:39

        Lindahl's #FIFAWWC memories

        Shortly before France 2019, Hedvig Lindahl chatted to FIFA.com about her experiences at USA 2003, China 2007, Germany 2011 and Canada 2015.
        82'

        No penalty determined by VAR. Reason: There was an offside
        16:35
        Sweden Sweden
        Statistics at 79'
        Canada Canada
        43%
        57%
        Ball possession
        6Attempts5
        71%Pass Accuracy78%
        2 0 Disciplinary 0 0
        View All Statistics
        79'

        Nathalie BJORN (in) comes off the bench to replace Elin RUBENSSON (out) (Sweden)
        16:33

        A Swedish first

        Lindahl became the first Sweden goalkeeper to save a penalty in the FIFA Women's World Cup. The previous six spot-kicks taken against them were all scored.
        1CIV0957_2019062482803528

        16:32

        69'

        Janine BECKIE (Canada) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
        What a save! Landahl flings herself south-east to tip the ball round the post. Janine Beckie's attempt was headed for the bottom corner.
        EG037291_2019062482801013

        68'

        Kosovare ASLLANI (Sweden) is booked by the referee.
        68'

        Penalty confirmed by VAR. Reason: There was a handball
        16:22
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        Stina, Stina, Stina!

        The chants of 'Stina, Stina, Stina' are deafening in the Parc des Princes. Cometh the hour, cometh the markswoman. Blackstenius is a master at delivering big goals, having scored against USA in the quarter-finals and versus Germany in the final of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016.
        LG2_9066_2019062481342191

        66'

        VAR: Penalty Review
        64'

        Adriana LEON (in) comes off the bench to replace Nichelle PRINCE (out) (Canada)
        16:19
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        A huge goal

        Sweden get the first goal and it's so important in so many ways. Kosovare Asllani had a difficult first half, but finally found herself in the space that she wants to make a perfect assist. For Stina Blackstenius it was a goal she's been longing for, as she's been going through a bit of a goal drought. And Sweden needed Stina to get on the score-sheet in this tournament if they are to go far. Huge goal for the Swedes.
        1CIV0555_2019062481338183

        55'

        Stina BLACKSTENIUS (Sweden) scores!!
        Superb counter-attack! Kosovare could have attempted to play in Stina Blackstenius early, but she chose to hold on to the ball and curl her pass round the back of the Canada defence. Stephanie Labbe rushed from her line, but Blackstenius bravely got to it first to prod home the opener. 
        LG2_9038_2019062481237099

        16:10
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Intense

        An intense start to the second half, particularly from Canada as they try to continue their superior possession and convert it into shots on target. But Sweden is finding its footing as well, moving into the Canadian box, following a similar pattern to the first half.
        2CIV9368_2019062480618055

        16:09

        Sofia picks up where she left off

        Sofia Jakobsson, who impressed in the first half, makes a fine start to the second with two superb dribbles. Canada did well to crowd her out on the first, and concede a corner, which came to nothing, on the second.
        RHLL6765_2019062473301704

        16:03


        The referee signals the start of the second period.
        Kenneth Heiner-Moller and Peter Gerhardsson have elected against making any substitutions. 
        15:55
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        First-half assessment

        The first half has been exactly as expected, with very few chances for either side, a lot of physical play, several crosses into the box and no goals. Canada started strongest but Sweden have worked themselves into the match and finished the half stronger. A tactical change from Gerhardsson saw Sofia Jakobsson and Fridolina Rolfo switch wings, and it led to a dangerous attack from the Swedes. But more offensive and quicker play will be needed to break down this Canadian defence.
        EG037117_2019062473815394

        15:52
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        First-half assessment

        Despite considerably more possession and four corners, Canada have not been able to create scoring chances. There is a noticeable change in the way Canada have carried theirself in midfield, clearly learning from their first loss in a long time to the Netherlands on Thursday. More aggressive play will be expected in the second half as both try to avoid a repeat of their last encounrer, which ended in a penalty shootout, especially Sweden, who have never won a FIFA Women's World Cup game which went beyod normal time.
        EG038714_2019062475020497

        15:47
        Sweden Sweden
        Statistics at 45'
        Canada Canada
        39%
        61%
        Ball possession
        3Attempts0
        69%Pass Accuracy77%
        1 0 Disciplinary 0 0
        View All Statistics

        The referee brings the first period to an end.
        45'

        Fridolina ROLFO (Sweden) is booked by the referee.
        Fridolina Rolfo's late challenge on Sophie Schmidt is punished. It was a rare foul in what has been a clean game.
        15:44
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Mexican wave!

        The Canada supporters enjoy a Mexican wave. They're very loud at the Parc des Princes.
        15:39
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        Tactical switch for Sweden

        A tactical change from Peter Gerhardsson, who decides to change the positions of Sofia Jakobsson and Fridolina Rolfo, with the former moving to the left and the latter to the right. It's probably an attempt to get Rolfo more involved, with most of Sweden's attacks coming down the right.
        LG2_8024_2019062471421506

        15:37
        Sweden Sweden
        Statistics at 37'
        Canada Canada
        37%
        63%
        Ball possession
        2Attempts0
        66%Pass Accuracy79%
        0 0 Disciplinary 0 0
        View All Statistics
        15:32
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Early changes?

        Jayde Riviere and Shannon Woeller are warming up on the touchline. A double change for Canada, possibly to inject more energy and up the pressure on the Swedish defence?
        RHLL5135_2019062465941115

        15:30
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        North American similarities 

        Caroline Seger highlighted ahead of this match that Canada have quite a few similarities with their previous opponents, USA: “They are two physically strong opponents who like to play at a very high tempo. There will be a lot of crosses and a lot of people in the box.”
        EG037035_2019062471800104

        15:26
        SWE
        Alexandra Jonson
        SWEAlexandra Jonson

        Shining Sofia

        Sofia Jakobsson is proving a real handful for Canada, getting into dangerous positions right the right. Getting Jakobsson in her best form is something that Sweden needs!
        RHLL6686_2019062471816562

        15:24
        CAN
        Mona Yeganegi
        CANMona Yeganegi

        Possession pleases Canada

        Canada are, in comparison to their meeting with the Netherlands, having more success getting the ball past the Sweden midfield and creating some opportunities in the opposition box. They are showing great confidence in recovering and retaining possession.
        EG036970_2019062470819980

        15:21
        Sweden Sweden
        Statistics at 21'
        Canada Canada
        44%
        56%
        Ball possession
        1Attempts0
        69%Pass Accuracy77%
        0 0

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