Sweden have pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Germany in Rennes to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.
Germany, the Olympic champions, had not conceded a goal in the tournament as they coasted into the last eight.
Sweden, though, produced a resolute display at Roazhon Park to come from behind following Lina Magull's acrobatic goal in the 16th minute.
Sofia Jakobsson equalised after latching onto a long pass up field in the 22nd minute, before Stina Blackstenius' close-range header put the Scandinavians ahead early in the second half.
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Germany pressed for an equaliser and saw a video assistant referee turn down a penalty shout for a marginal offside, with Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering then both heading late chances wide.
As the clock ticked down Germany just couldn't find a breakthrough and Sweden closed out a famous victory.
The loss also cost the Olympic champions Germany a chance to defend their title in Tokyo next year. Only the top three European teams at the World Cup make it through to the Olympics – and England, the Netherlands and Sweden, through to the semis, are those teams.
Sweden, who have never won the World Cup, will go on to face the Netherlands on Wednesday, who earlier beat Italy 2-0, in Lyon.
The Dutch made the semi-finals for thRead More – Source
Sweden have pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Germany in Rennes to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.
Germany, the Olympic champions, had not conceded a goal in the tournament as they coasted into the last eight.
Sweden, though, produced a resolute display at Roazhon Park to come from behind following Lina Magull's acrobatic goal in the 16th minute.
Sofia Jakobsson equalised after latching onto a long pass up field in the 22nd minute, before Stina Blackstenius' close-range header put the Scandinavians ahead early in the second half.
Advertisement
Germany pressed for an equaliser and saw a video assistant referee turn down a penalty shout for a marginal offside, with Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering then both heading late chances wide.
As the clock ticked down Germany just couldn't find a breakthrough and Sweden closed out a famous victory.
The loss also cost the Olympic champions Germany a chance to defend their title in Tokyo next year. Only the top three European teams at the World Cup make it through to the Olympics – and England, the Netherlands and Sweden, through to the semis, are those teams.
Sweden, who have never won the World Cup, will go on to face the Netherlands on Wednesday, who earlier beat Italy 2-0, in Lyon.
The Dutch made the semi-finals for thRead More – Source