Sweden lost 1-2 to Denmark in a World Cup qualifier at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg, with Janni Thomsen scoring the winning goal for Denmark in stoppage time. The match saw Sweden take an early lead through Monica Jusu Bah, who scored her first international goal in the 8th minute, but they were unable to capitalize on their dominance. According to official sources, Pernille Harder collided with Julia Zigiotti Olme in the second half, resulting in Harder being substituted due to injury. Multiple reports indicate Sweden conceded a goal in stoppage time, which compounded the frustration of a match where they created numerous opportunities but failed to secure a result.
Sweden's early advantage was established quickly, with Felicia Schröder hitting the post with a shot in the very first minute. Stina Blackstenius also hit the post with a header later in the match, contributing to a pattern of near-misses. Multiple reports indicate Sweden hit the post three times in total during the match against Denmark. Despite these chances, major media outlets note Sweden failed to score more goals, emphasizing the team's offensive inefficiency despite creating many opportunities.
I warned about shaky performances with a young team.
Denmark's equalizer came from Pernille Harder after about 30 minutes, leveling the score at 1-1. Sweden's defensive performance featured debutant Sofia Reidy starting as a center-back, with other sources noting she grew into the match and performed better in the second half. Elma Junttila Nelhage was described by two sources as the hub in the backline, tactically skilled in reading the game and breaking up play.
In their subsequent qualifier, Sweden drew 0-0 against Serbia, a result that extended their struggles in front of goal. Research from three sources indicates that just like against Italy, Sweden struggled to create a single real scoring chance in the match against Serbia. However, other reports suggest Sweden had isolated goal chances and half-chances. Serbia had a post hit in the first half and created some chances of their own, while Sweden's best opportunity came after just over half an hour when a Serbian defender almost diverted Smilla Holmberg's cross into her own net, but Milica Kostic made a sharp save on the goal line to deny Sweden the lead.
I worked hard to get the team back after the Italy match.
Serbia, ranked 33rd in the world, delivered a surprising performance, having previously upset Denmark away with a 3-1 victory and now holding Sweden to a draw at home. According to research, the Malmö FF duo Miljana Ivanovic and Vesna Milivojevic ran and battled, making life miserable for their much more highly rated Swedish opponents. Major media reports indicate Felicia Schröder and Monica Jusu Bah started over more experienced players like Fridolina Rolfö and Stina Blackstenius in the Serbia match. The defensive line in that match had an average age of 20.8 years, according to three sources, with Smilla Holmberg, who has eleven national team matches, being the most experienced in the backline according to two other sources.
Sweden employed a fluid tactical formation in the Denmark match, possibly influenced by Graham Potter, as reported by major media. Individual performances varied, with Filippa Angeldahl described by two sources as a big contributing factor to Sweden's dominance in the first 10 minutes against Denmark. Goalkeeper Jennifer Falk had a well-approved performance with fine goal kicks and free kicks, according to other reports. In contrast, Rebeka Blomqvist had difficulty getting into the match and was rated weak with a score of two, while Julia Zigiotti Olme was not as involved early but worked her way into it. Fridolina Rolfö came on in the 73rd minute in a situation where Sweden was pushing for a goal.
I was frustrated about being substituted.
Coach Tony Gustavsson made substitutions in the Serbia match in an attempt to change momentum, taking off Jusu Bah and Filippa Angeldahl in the 56th minute, according to major media. Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfö were substituted in during that match, with research indicating Gustavsson tried to bring in new energy in the second half by bringing on these experienced players, and later younger talents Evelyn Ijeh and Rosa Kafaji. Rolfö had a decent chance and Kafaji had another, but both times the finishing was too weak, according to research sources.
Sweden's squad was hampered by injury absences for the Denmark match. Kosovare Asllani was absent due to injury, as reported by major media from three sources. Nathalie Björn was also injured for that match, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd did not play. Felicia Schröder and Monica Jusu Bah started in the Denmark match, stepping into the void left by more established players.
I had pre-planned the late substitutions, practicing a forcing methodology.
Sweden's scoring record in the qualifiers is poor, with only two goals scored so far. They have started the World Cup qualifiers with four points, according to research, having scored one goal in four halves, with Filippa Angeldahl scoring the match-winning goal against Italy from distance. Other sources note that Sweden ended with four points in this collection instead of six, and did not achieve full points after three points against Italy, with Serbia providing resistance. The Swedish goal chances in the World Cup qualifiers have been easy to calculate, highlighting the team's offensive struggles.
Denmark now has seven points in the qualifiers, tightening their grip on a direct World Cup spot. Sweden needs nine points from their last three matches to secure a direct World Cup spot, according to major media reports. The group includes Italy and Serbia in addition to Sweden and Denmark, as confirmed by official sources. The group winner gets a direct spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, while the other three teams play a playoff for additional spots in the fall.
Historical context adds to Sweden's frustration, as when Sweden and Serbia met in the Euro 2024 play-offs, Sweden won 8–0 on aggregate. According to research, the Swedish women's soccer team arrived in a small Serbian town, halfway between the North Pole and the equator, and first encountered a warming spring sun, then a Serbian national team that didn't give its guests a second's peace. Serbia were clearer in their play, more direct in their attack in the match against Sweden, as noted by research sources.
Next month, the World Cup qualifiers continue with two crucial home matches for Sweden: against Denmark on April 14, and against Serbia four days later.
The implications of Sweden's poor start are significant, increasing pressure on coach Tony Gustavsson to turn results around quickly.