Sweden and Germany convincingly qualified for the quarterfinals of the European Women’s Football Championship on Tuesday. Sweden defeated Poland 3-0, and earlier in the evening, Germany won 2-1 against Denmark.
As a result, both Germany and Sweden have six points after two matches, while Denmark and Poland have no points. The two countries will compete in a mutual duel on Saturday for the group win.
Sweden recorded a businesslike victory in Lucerne thanks to three headed goals. The 1984 European champion took the lead after just under half an hour through a goal from Stina Blackstenius. The 29-year-old Arsenal attacker headed in from a cross from Kosovare Asllani after a good run.
Seven minutes after the break, it was Asllani herself who scored with her head. The star of the Swedish team was the final destination of a fine attack. Lina Hurtig provided the 3-0 fifteen minutes before time at the direction of Jonna Andersson with the back of her head.
The most beautiful goal of the evening almost fell on the other side in injury time. Polish substitute Milena Kokosz took a hard shot from about thirty meters, but saw her effort hit the crossbar.
Germany past Denmark in entertaining match
Earlier in the evening, a lot happened at Germany-Denmark in Basel. Klara Bühl thought she had put Germany ahead after eighteen minutes, but the VAR had its doubts. The game was paused for minutes, after which it became clear that teammate Sjoeke Nüsken had slightly touched the ball in an offside position.
Moments later, the goal fell on the other side. Amalie Vangsgaard got the ball with some luck at her feet and shot into the near corner from the turn: 0-1.
Germany recovered and put Denmark under pressure. Just before half-time that resulted in a penalty for hands, but again the VAR threw a spanner in the works after minutes of deliberation. The handball turned out to be just outside the sixteen-meter area.
Shortly after the break, the ball did go on the spot because Linda Dallmann was floored in the penalty area. Nüsken took the penalty and shot Germany alongside: 1-1.
Ten minutes later Germany took the lead. Lea Schüller received the ball on a silver platter from Jule Brand and shot beautifully: 2-1. After that there were more chances back and forth, but no more goals were scored.