Just like in the loss against Denmark on Tuesday (1–2), the Swedish inefficiency was almost farcical in the first half against Serbia.
Stina Blackstenius should have scored at least once, but hit the post. Filippa Angeldahl could have scored several times, but when the frame didn't get in the way (one of her shots hit both the crossbar and the post), Serbian goalkeeper Milica Kostic made the save.
The fact that it was 0-0 at half-time was incomprehensible not only because of the Swedish chances. A depleted Serbia, with almost all of their biggest stars out with injuries, had both shots on target and a dangerous double chance where Jennifer Falk's reflex saves were the only thing that prevented a Swedish goal.
“So nice”
After the break, Sweden picked up the pace and finally scored the goal - the match-winning one.
Matilda Vinberg, who started her first international match since Tony Gustavsson took over as national team coach last fall, found Blackstenius with a razor-sharp cross in the 50th minute, and the Arsenal striker fired home 1–0 into the far corner.
"So nice. We had chances in the first half too, and talked at halftime about just continuing. It was really nice and we're happy with the win today," says team captain and match-winner Blackstenius to SVT.
In the second half, both Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Rosa Kafaji were brought on to add attacking power. But Sweden's bluntness in and around the penalty area continued, and the defense was very shaky the few times Serbia stepped up.
Danish point loss
In the 82nd minute, things were about to end badly. Nina Matejic turned and found an opening in the left corner. The 20,000 or so people in the stands at the National Arena breathed a deep sigh of relief when the ball skidded just wide of Jennifer Falk's post.
There is undeniably a lot to work on in Tony Gustavsson's national team. But this time Stina Blackstenius's direct hit was enough to secure three points.
And when Denmark only drew 0–0 at home against Italy, it is still completely open in the fight for the only direct qualification spot for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. With two rounds remaining, Denmark tops the group with eight points, one ahead of Sweden.
"It's great to hear that. Now it's still alive," says Stina Blackstenius.
On June 5, Denmark and Sweden will meet in Odense. Four days later, Sweden will conclude the qualifiers at home against Italy.
