Late Goal from Amanda Ilestedt Ensures 2-1 Triumph for Sweden Against South Africa in Women’s World Cup

In the midst of a misty and rainy evening, Sweden overcame an initially sluggish performance to secure an unexpected 2-1 victory over a tenacious South African team at the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

An unanticipated lead for South Africa materialized during the Group G match when Hildah Magaia capitalized on a surprising opening, scoring in the 48th minute and posing a real threat to cause the tournament’s first significant upset.

Despite controlling 71% of the ball and gaining eight corners in the first half, Sweden struggled to convert possession into points. The Swedish side seemed disoriented after halftime, and South Africa exploited the opportunity as Thembi Kgatlana bypassed the defense and fired a high shot that goalkeeper Zecira Musovic could only deflect.

Magaia, caught up in the moment, lunged towards the goal so intensely that she ended up in the net with the ball. After spending some time inside the net, she was eventually replaced.

Sweden, undefeated in World Cup group stages since 2003 and predicted to comfortably surpass the 54th-ranked South Africa, found themselves on shaky ground.

However, the situation improved when Fridolina Rolfo leveled the score in the 64th minute. With just a minute remaining, Amanda Ilestedt’s precise header from a corner secured a narrow victory for Sweden, redeeming an otherwise underwhelming opening game.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who had joyously danced off the bus and into the locker room before the match, saw their celebrations momentarily dampened by Ilestedt’s game-saving goal. On reflection, however, they were content with their display.

Following the loss, South African coach Desiree Ellis expressed pride in their performance and adherence to the game plan, emphasizing their scoring abilities and defensive prowess.

In a contrasting display of styles, Sweden methodically built from the back, excelling in set pieces, while South Africa showed adeptness in counter-attacks.

South Africa often outwitted Sweden with swift ball movements, earning their goal through fearless play against Sweden’s formidable reputation – the Blagult is currently ranked third globally.

South Africa’s lively performance brought a refreshing change to an otherwise bleak evening.

With wind conditions not playing a role, Sweden utilized long balls effectively in the first half.

In the second half, the threat of their first World Cup group stage loss in 20 years spurred Sweden into action, culminating in Ilestedt’s goal, a product of solid set-piece play and sharp execution.

Ilestedt voiced her contentment over the victory, underscoring the significance of the three points they had secured.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The 89th-minute goal by Ilestedt was a crucial turning point in a match where Sweden’s sparkle was noticeably absent. This goal, which came from Sweden’s 11th corner, resulted in a severe setback for South Africa, who had shown great courage and shocked Sweden with the match’s first goal. However, it ensured Sweden’s successful start to their Group G campaign.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

The possibility of Sweden’s first World Cup group stage loss since 2003 seemed real for a brief moment. However, goals from Rolfo and Ilestedt salvaged a win for Sweden, albeit less convincingly than expected. The match serves as a warning to Italy and Argentina, the other teams in Group G, not to underestimate South Africa.

WHAT’S TO COME

Italy and Argentina will face off in the next Group G match in Auckland on Monday, no doubt taking note of South Africa’s spirited performance. South Africa will compete against Argentina in Dunedin on Friday, while Sweden will challenge Italy in Wellington on Saturday.

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More about Sweden’s Women’s World Cup victory

• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
• Sweden National Women’s Soccer Team
• South Africa Women’s National Football Team – Banyana Banyana
• AP Sports