The Swedish team (ranked 3rd in the world ) is considered one of the candidates to win the 2023 Women's World Cup. With their superior class, the European representative is predicted to have no difficulty in the opening match against the South African women's team (ranked 54th in the world).

The Swedish women's player (in yellow) controlled the ball well after the opening whistle. Photo: Getty

After the opening whistle, the Swedish women's team quickly took control of the game and put a lot of pressure on the South African goal. However, the African team's strong defense helped the team maintain a 0-0 draw in the first half.

The surprise happened in the 48th minute when the South African women's team opened the scoring. Starting from a long pass over the left wing of South Africa, Linda Motlhalo shot, causing goalkeeper Zecira Musovic (Sweden) to block poorly. Immediately, player Hildah Magaia bravely rushed in to touch the ball and make the Swedish women's net.

The joy of South African players after scoring against Sweden. Photo: Getty

The goal seemed to touch the pride of the Swedish women's team. The European representative tried their best to attack in the following minutes. In the 66th minute, from Filippa Angeldal's cross from the right wing, Lebogang Ramalepe of the South African women's team accidentally kicked the ball into his own net while trying to clear the ball. The score was 1-1 for Sweden.

In the final minutes of the match, the Swedish women's team continued to attack diligently under the heavy rain, but the African team organized a resilient defense thanks to their strong physical foundation. It was thought that the match would end in a draw, but in the 90th minute, from a corner kick by a teammate, center back Amanda Ilestedt jumped high and headed the ball into the South African net, sealing a 2-1 victory for the Swedish women's team.

The moment the Swedish women's team scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over South Africa. Photo: Getty

It is a pity for the South African women's team because the African representative almost got their first point at the World Cup. Previously, in their first World Cup appearance in 2019, the South African women's team lost all 3 matches and was eliminated from the group stage. However, the reasonable tactics and brave fighting spirit against Sweden helped the South African women's team receive much praise from experts and fans.

HOAI PHUONG

* Please visit the Sports section to see related news and articles.