WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Sweden third!!

Hammar blow for France


Marie Hammarstrom’s 82nd minute goal earned Sweden a 2-1 victory over France in the match for third place in the Rhine-Neckar Arena in Sinsheim.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who replaced Linda Forsberg in the 62nd minute, received the ball from a short corner, evaded the attentions of Eugenie Le Sommer and Sonia Bompastor before unleashing an unstoppable left footed drive into the top corner of the net.

It was a goal which separated two evenly matched sides and worthy of winning any game of football.

Bruno Bini made two changes in defence for France, bringing in Wende Renard and Corine Franco, while Nilla Fischer came into the Sweden side as captain following her one-match ban. Caroline Seger was named among the substitutes despite her calf injury.

After a slow start, Sweden took the lead in the 29th minute when Sara Larsson’s long ball from the back was well controlled by Lotta Schelin and the forward slipped the ball past the onrushing Berangere Sapowicz. The French goalkeeper had to be substituted immediately afterwards, injuring her ankle when jumping to reach the ball on the edge of her penalty area.

There was more bad news for Les Bleues when the influential Louisa Necib had to be replaced at the same stage after jarring her knee in a battle for the ball with Annica Svensson. As half-time approached, Elise Bussaglia tried two attempts from outside the area. The first struck the post, while the second forced a good save from Hedvig Lindahl.

However, it was the Scandinavians who finished the half stronger. First Charlotte Rohlin headed over from a Sara Thunebro corner and then Schelin had a glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 just before the break, but fired straight at substitute keeper Celine Deville from 12 yards.

France equalised in the 56th minute when Svensson was pulled out of position while trying to rob the ball from Gaetane Thiney. However, the French forward was able to slip the ball into the path of substitute Elodie Thomis, who was in acres of space. The Lyon forward, a team-mate of Schelin’s showed a similar type of composure to squeeze the ball just inside Lindahl’s right hand post.

There were chances at either end midway through the second half. First Josefine Oqvist scuffed a shot which hit the post when a square pass would have given Schelin the simplest of opportunities. Then Thomis was guilty of the same profligacy with two narrow misses within the space of a minute. Firstly Lindahl blocked her shot, while from the ensuing corner Thomis flicked an effort inches wide of the near post.

Sweden were reduced to ten in the 68th minute when Oqvist was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Sonia Bompastor after the pair tussled by the byline. Yet, despite the numerical disadvantage, Thomas Dennerby’s side took the lead with eight minutes to go when substitute Hammarstrom unleashed her wonder-strike to hand Sweden the bronze medal.

Player of the match: Sara Larsson (SWE)

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Japan sink Sweden, reach first final against USA

Japan sink Sweden, reach first final


Japan reached the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the first time with a deserved 3-1 win over a Sweden side who had previously won every match they had played at Germany 2011.

Twenty years ago the teams met in the tournament in China PR, with the Scandinavians running out 8-0 winners, but there was to be no such repeat in Frankfurt as the Nadeshiko continued their 15-year unbeaten run against their opponents.

Sweden were dealt a blow shortly before kick-off, when inspirational captain Caroline Seger was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up with an injury to her left calf. The 26-year-old sat out of the Blagult’s training session last night, but aggravated the muscle again in the warm-up. Orebro’s Marie a Hammarstrom was the late replacement. Japan also made one change, with Nahomi Kawasumi replacing Yuki Nagasato as the focal point of their attack.

There was a large and receptive crowd of 45,434 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Stadium, with the roof not only acting as a shelter from the heavy showers which had affected Hessen during the day, but also as a sounding board for the fans’ loud cheers to bounce off.

It was the Swedish supporters who were singing after ten minutes. Homare Sawa’s mis-placed pass was latched on to by Oqvist, who powered past Azusa Iwashimizu and hit a shot which flew over Ayumi Kaihori, via a slight deflection off Saki Kumagai, and into the net.

The Sweden forward had a hand in the game’s next goal, but unfortunately for the her it was at the wrong end. Following a powerful run down the centre from Shinobu Ohno, the ball was played to Aya Miyama on the left. She crossed into the box and, under intense pressure from Oqvist, Kawasumi’s touch took the ball beyond Hedvig Lindahl.

Following a spell in which the teams traded spells of possession, the game's next real chance came when Japan won a free-kick on the edge of the area following Charlotte Rohlin’s foul on Kawasumi. Predictably, Miyama stepped up to take the free-kick, which almost caught Lindahl off-guard before she recovered well to push the ball around her right-hand post.

Sweden, on the other hand, were struggling to create any real opportunities and balls played down the channels for Lotta Schelin failed to reach their intended target.

The second-half began at a frenetic pace and the Asians almost took the lead when Ohno’s dipping half-volley clipped the top of the crossbar. On the hour mark they managed it. Following good build-up play down the right, the ball was played along the edge of the box before it was swung into the danger zone. Lindahl came to claim it but failed to make it, and Sawa was on hand to head home her fifth goal of the tournament.

Four minutes later Japan doubled their advantage. Lindahl came out to deal with a long ball which seemed destined to reach Kozue Ando, but her clearance fell straight to Kawasumi, who hit a hopeful shot from 35 yards. The 25-year-old forward seemed as delighted as the Japanese fans to see her effort fly over the Sweden goalkeeper and defence and ripple the back of the net.

With a shots on goal ratio of 11 to one in favour of Japan, Thomas Dennerby sent on Jessica Landstrom, Sofia Jakobsson and Antonia Goransson for Linda Forsberg, Marie Hammarstrom and Oqvist respectively, in a bid to bring his side back into the match. Although Sweden enjoyed a greater territorial advantage, the hard-working Japan defence limited them to just a handful of half-chances.

Indeed, it was Norio Sasaki’s side who remained the more threatening in the final stages and they closed the game out extremely well to book a place in Sunday’s final, also here in Frankfurt, against USA. Sweden, however, must regroup to face France in Sinsheim on Saturday evening in the match for third place.

Player of the match: Aya Miyama (JPN)

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Sweden became the first group winners to qualify for the semi-finals and its dreams continue

Sweden became the first group winners to qualify for the semi-finals of Germany 2011 to set up a clash with Japan in Frankfurt after defeating Australia 3-1.

The Blagult deserved to progress after dominating the match in Augsburg for large periods of the game, but they were made to work hard for the victory by a young Aussie side who showed huge commitment to get back into the game after conceding two early goals.

Player of the match Lotta Schelin had a great chance to open the scoring when Collette McCallum's back pass almost failed to make it back to the keeper, but the Lyon forward failed to control the ball properly and the threat passed.

At the other end, Australia seemed intent on peppering the Sweden defence with crosses from either flank, but the well organised Scandinavians coped well with the pressure.

The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute when a long ball from the back was collected by Schelin who showed some magic to get past FIFA Women’s World Cup debutant Ellyse Perry, before cutting the ball inside for Therese Sjogran who took one touch before firing inside Melissa Barbieri’s near post.

Sjogran was the architect for Sweden's second five minutes later when her cross from the right was inch perfect for the virtually unmarked Lisa Dahlkvist to head home. Josefine Oqvist had a good opportunity to make it three when she leapt above Kim Carroll to connect with Schelin’s cross, but her effort was well off target.

Sweden were in total control and Australia were struggling to get out of their own half. It looked as though they would lead either a moment of magic or a mistake to get them back into the game. It almost arrived in the 38th minute when McCallum's free-kick caught Hedvig Lindahl unawares and off her line, but much to her relief, the ball sailed wide.

Australia pulled one back two minutes later - and what a goal it was. A short corner from McCallum was played Perry on the edge of the box. She took a touch to control the ball with her right foot and then launched an unstoppable left footed drive into the top corner of the net.

In their previous two games, Australia had gifted goals to the opposition and unfortunately for Tom Sermanni’s side they made it three in a row at the worst possible time. Carroll casually attempted to play the ball back to the keeper, but failed to spot Schelin. The Sweden forward gratefully accepted the chance, rounded Barbieri and slipped the ball into the back of the net.

Backed by the Augsburg crowd, the Matildas refused to give up and almost reduced the deficit when Tameka Butt’s cross from the right was headed just wide by Kyah Simon. Minutes later, Lisa De Vanna may have regretted not squaring the ball to her strike partner after one of her trademark lung-bursting runs into the box. After beating Lindahl to the ball, the forward opted to shoot herself rather than square the ball to Simon who would have had an easier opportunity to make it 3-2.

As time ticked away, Barbieri almost took the ball over her own line after collecting a cross from the right awkwardly, while at the other end, Lindahl made a fantastic diving save to deny Butt’s drive from 25 yards.

Sweden celebrated a place at the Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 as well as the semi-finals at the final whistle, while Australia will almost certainly be back in four years time stronger for their experiences this time around.

Player of the match: Lotta Schelin (SWE)

Quarter-finals


Sweden - Australia3:1 (2:1)Match Date Venue / Stadium Time Attendance

27 10 July 2011 Augsburg / FIFA Women´s World Cup Stadium, Augsburg 13:00 24605



Goals scored

Therese SJOGRAN (SWE) 11', Lisa DAHLKVIST (SWE) 16', Ellyse PERRY (AUS) 40', Lotta SCHELIN (SWE) 52'

Sweden

Line-up

[1] Hedvig LINDAHL (GK)

[2] Charlotte ROHLIN

[4] Annica SVENSSON (-92')

[5] Caroline SEGER (C)

[6] Sara THUNEBRO

[7] Sara LARSSON

[8] Lotta SCHELIN

[14] Josefine OQVIST (-83')

[15] Therese SJOGRAN

[16] Linda FORSBERG (-67')

[17] Lisa DAHLKVIST

Substitute(s)

[12] Kristin HAMMARSTROM (GK)

[21] Sofia LUNDGREN (GK)

[3] Linda SEMBRANT

[9] Jessica LANDSTROM

[10] Sofia JAKOBSSON

[11] Antonia GORANSSON

[13] Lina NILSSON (+92')

[18] Nilla FISCHER [Y] (+67')

[19] Madelaine EDLUND (+83')

[20] Marie HAMMARSTROM

Coach

Thomas DENNERBY (SWE)Australia

Line-up

[1] Melissa BARBIERI (GK)(C)

[3] Kim CARROLL [Y]

[6] Ellyse PERRY (-59')

[7] Heather GARRIOCK [Y]

[8] Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT

[9] Caitlin FOORD

[10] Servet UZUNLAR

[11] Lisa DE VANNA [Y]

[12] Emily VAN EGMOND (-58')

[14] Collette McCALLUM (-79')

[17] Kyah SIMON

Substitute(s)

[18] Lydia WILLIAMS (GK)

[21] Casey DUMONT (GK)

[2] Teigen ALLEN

[4] Clare POLKINGHORNE (+58')

[5] Laura ALLEWAY

[13] Tameka BUTT (+59')

[15] Sally SHIPARD (+79')

[16] Lauren COLTHORPE

[19] Leena KHAMIS

[20] Samantha KERR

Coach

Tom SERMANNI (AUS)Cautions

Kyah SIMON (AUS) 23', Therese SJOGRAN (SWE) 67', Heather GARRIOCK (AUS) 80', Nilla FISCHER (SWE) 81'

Sent off

Sweden (SWE) Statistics Australia (AUS)

15 Shots 12

6 Shots on goal 3

3 Goals Scored 1

20 Fouls Committed 5

5 Fouls Suffered 19

3 Corner kicks 9

1 Free kicks Shots (scored) 2

0 / 0 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0

3 Offsides 2

0 Own Goals 0

2 Yellow cards 2

0 Second yellow card and red card 0

0 Red Cards 0

27 Actual playing time 28

49% Possession (%) 51%


Sweden-Australia: Quotes



Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby

We are very satisfied to have reached the semi-finals and that we’ve gained the chance to play at the Olympic Games in London. Up to yesterday we thought our opposing team in the semi-finals was going to be Germany, but now we have to concentrate on winning against Japan. We do not have very good memories of playing against them, but we hope to do better this time. We will work out a promising tactical plan and our players will work hard to go one step further.
Australian coach Tom Sermanni

Sweden played a formidable match, but we are very proud of our efforts as well. Unfortunately we made too many simple mistakes. Even in the half time we were very confident to come back and win the game. But after their last goal it was extremely difficult. Considering the whole tournament, we do have very good and particularly talented players. The biggest disappointment is the fact that we just give to many goals to our opponents. But as I always say, we never give up at any moment.
Sweden forward and player of the match Lotta Schelin

We were a little nervous before we went out, but there is a fantastic atmosphere in our team and we pulled each other through.
Therese Sjorgran, Sweden midfielder

I think we have a good chance to win against Japan. We’ve already played them and we are well prepared. We need to have a good defence because they come through the midfield. It is nice that I scored, but Lotta (Schelin) did a great job, too. I’m very proud though. It doesn’t matter to me if I scored the goal or assisted, the important thing is that we won. We will have to perform well to beat Japan, but we are taller and have to use that to our advantage.

Linda Forsberg, Sweden forward

It was a tough game and they played quite well, but we held them up. We are satisfied now. We just had to keep trying and keep going in the game. It was important that Lotta (Schelin) scored and now is more confident. We now have to take one game at a time and also focus on one game at a time.


Kyah Simon, Australia forward

On the one side, I am disappointed, but on the other side, I am happy about reaching the quarter-finals. But we are hungry for the next tournaments and we will do a better job. Sweden was today the better team and they deserve the semi-finals. It was a great experience for me at my first World Cup and I am looking forward to the next ones. The time was great and I enjoyed it. I am pleased about my own performances too.

Servet Uzunlar, Australia defender

The time in Germany was fantastic and I enjoyed it. Lotta Schelin’s performance was great today and that’s why we struggled, because we didn’t have enough place to buckle up. She is really quick.

a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out

GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured

Y: Misses next match if booked Pos: Positions A: Absent