Pernille Harder equalized for Denmark half an hour into the match after a defensive lapse, according to multiple reports. The 22-year-old Lyon defender did not keep up with Cecilie Fløe, allowing the ball to reach Harder for the goal at Gamla Ullevi. Sweden had previously created numerous chances, including several shots that hit the goal frame, but failed to convert them.
Even in the second half, Sweden had opportunities to score, but in the final stages, 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Bella Andersson lost her footing, enabling Denmark's Janni Thomsen to score the winning goal and secure a red-white victory, as reported by multiple sources. The final score of the match has not been confirmed. Sweden's defensive line featured significant inexperience, with Sofia Reidy making her national team debut, Bella Andersson playing her third international match, and Elma Junttila Nelhage her sixth.
Football is decided in small decisive moments.
This youthfulness stems from injuries and retirements among more seasoned players, though the specific players affected have not been disclosed. According to Dagens Nyheter, Elma Junttila Nelhage described being critical of herself and taking on responsibility for the goals, noting that the conceded goals were too easy and frustrating, but emphasized that all players are ready and will gain experience over time. Sweden's coach Tony Gustavsson reflected on the match, stating that football is decided in small decisive moments.
He praised the young defenders, saying they perform brilliantly most of the time, but one small moment can be costly. According to Dagens Nyheter, Junttila Nelhage added that while immediate performance is desired, the team must start somewhere and will improve with time. Gustavsson took responsibility for the outcome, explaining that he has to give these players a chance and that if they fall asleep in the final stages it can cost, but it's not the players' fault.
I think that Elma, Bella and Sofia (debutant Reidy, Hammarby) solve it brilliantly nine times out of ten and then it's enough with one small moment...
He said it's better that he takes it on himself, calling it a tactical error, and described the team as young and brave. The specific tactical error he referred to has not been detailed. The implications of this loss for Sweden's World Cup qualifying group standing remain unclear, as the current standings have not been reported.
This match could affect their position in a competitive group that includes teams like Italy, but further details are pending. The young Swedish defenders, including Andersson and Junttila Nelhage, are expected to gain crucial experience from such high-pressure matches, potentially strengthening the team in future qualifiers.
But it's about me having to give these players a chance, that they get these matches and understand that if you fall asleep in the final stages it can cost. But it's not the players' fault. It's better that I take it on myself, that it was a tactical error. This is a young team that is incredibly brave, if I leave them one-on-one on the halfway line I have to take it on myself.
I am critical of myself, take on quite a lot.
Right now I only see two goals conceded that I think are far too easy. I make a far too weak effort on the first goal, it's not at all good enough. Then the second one slips through a bit too easily too. Right now I just think it's frustrating.
Everyone who is here is ready to play. Then of course the more you play the more experience you have. So in a few years we will be able to look back and see that we have taken steps forward. You have to start somewhere.
But of course you want to perform immediately.