Sweden kicked off their Euro 2025 campaign with a 1-0 win over Denmark thanks to a brilliantly worked goal by Real Madrid midfielder Filippa Angeldal.
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Lengthy VAR check takes sting out of first halfNew City boss Jeglertz fails to influence gameAngeldal caps fine performance with 55th minute goalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPTELL ME MORE
The game started at break-neck speed, with Sweden almost netting in the second minute when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd turned her marker and found Filippa Angeldal in the box before her effort was deflected behind for a corner. That sparked a frenetic passage of end-to-end action that was ultimately halted by a lengthy VAR check when the ball struck Madelen Janogy's hand in her own box. The referee correctly stuck with her original decision of no penalty, as the Swedish forward's heels were clipped by the Danish attacker before the ball struck her arm.
The break took the sting out of the game. While Sweden pushed for an opener, last ditch defending from the Danes meant their opponents could not fashion a clear cut chance on goal. Further delays for refreshments in the sweltering heat added to the disjointed feel. The highlight of the half came from a long range free-kick by Angeldal. Her rasping effort from all of 35 yards was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Maja Ostergaard in the Danish goal.
It was Angeldal who finally got the breakthrough ten minutes into the second half. A neat one-two on the edge of the Danish box with Kosovare Asllani teed the midfielder up to power a low driving effort into the far corner.
The Swedes looked certain to double their lead just a few minutes later when Stina Blackstenius' side-footed volley from a half-cleared corner was heroically hooked clear by Frederikke Thogersen on her own goal-line.
Until the 80th minute, Pernille Harder had cut a slightly dejected figure. Perhaps finally taking matters into her own hands, a thunderous effort from 25 yards out rattled the woodwork. That seemed to jolt her teammates into taking more risks, as Denmark pushed for an equaliser, ultimately to no avail.
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Filippa Angeldal was involved in all of Sweden's brightest moments, linking up smartly with Rytting Kaneyrd and ghosting into dangerous positions behind Blackstenius. Took her goal beautifully.
THE BIG LOSER
Manchester City fans will have watched this game with a keen eye, sizing up their new manager. While Andree Jeglertz proved he can set up a defensive unit, he did little to impact the course of the game once Denmark fell behind.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Sweden will hope to keep the momentum going when they face Poland on Tuesday night. Denmark continue their campaign when they take on with eight-time European champions Germany.