Sweden thrash Italy, France’s late strike earns them all three points against Brazil and Jamaica’s win keeps Group F on a knife edge…
Sweden 5 Italy 0
It was a convincing win for a clinical Swedish side and their biggest World Cup victory since 1991.
Sweden controlled most of the game in the first half however their goals didn’t come until the end of the first half.
The Swedish seemed to have a burst of energy, scoring three goals in the space of six minutes with Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo on the scoresheet, as well as Arsenal’s Amanda Ilestedt and Stina Blackstenius.
The goals didn’t stop there with Ilestedt scoring yet again by heading the ball home from a pinpoint corner from Jonna Andersson.
Despite Italy making five changes in the second half they did not manage to find a way through. Sweden sealed the deal with a cool finish from Rebecka Blomqvist in the dying minutes of the game
Sweden have now secured their place in the last 16, while Italy need to avoid defeat against South Africa to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
France 2 Brazil 1
Embed from Getty ImagesThe tables have now turned in Group F with France beating Brazil in a tight affair.
France deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute with a lovely finish from Eugénie Le Sommer.
The Selecao upped their game in the second half, however, and managed to go level after Débora Cristiane de Oliveira calmly slotted the ball home after it ricocheted kindly into her path.
It was a tense battle, however it was France who managed to hit the back of the net to win the game in the 83rd minute through Wendie Renard and securing their place in the last 16.
Brazil now have it all to do in their final game against Jamaica.
Jamaica 1 Panama 0
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth teams had their chances in the first 45 minutes however it was Jamaica who came the closest with a 25-yard free-kick which smashed against the upright after goalkeeper Yenith Bailey just managed to get her fingertips to it.
After a goalless first half, it was the captain Allyson Swaby who gave the Reggae Girlz the lead in the 56th minute.
Panama were far from being out of the game after the Jamaican defenders switched off, allowing the ball to drop to Cox who did not manage to hit the target.
A late penalty appeal came for Jamaica in the dying minutes of the game however it was overturned.
With this second loss, an unfortunate Panama side are now eliminated. Jamaica now have the chance of proceeding in the tournament but must avoid defeat to Brazil in a make or break tie for qualification to the last 16.
By Izzy Yard
