Sweden have locked in a tantalising Women’s World Cup round-of-16 clash with reigning champions the United States after beating Argentina 2-0 to comfortably top their group.
The world No.3 earned a full nine points from group G after Rebecka Blomqvist headed home in the 66th minute and Elin Rubensson added another from the penalty spot in the 90th.
The Tokyo 2021 silver medallists have a long history with the US having met multiple times at major tournaments, including knocking the reigning world champions out of the 2016 Olympics.
They will face their familiar foe, who scraped through for second place in Group E, at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Argentina’s tournament is over after finishing fourth on one point.
They had to win and rely on the simultaneous clash between Italy and South Africa falling their way to progress.
Instead South Africa (four points) progressed after a dramatic 3-2 win over Italy (three points) in Wellington.
Sweden made nine changes to their starting line-up at FMG Stadium Waikato, able to rest players given they had already secured progression.
They largely sat back and lacked cohesion given their changes, without creating too many chances themselves.
Sweden’s Olivia Schough had a free kick comfortably saved by Vanina Correa in the 19th minute and was booked for a high challenge on Romina Nunez shortly after.
In the 23rd minute Argentina’s Mariana Larroquette glanced a Nunez free kick off target for one of their best chances of the half.
Argentina’s Florencia Bonsegundo had to be taken off with a seemingly serious knee injury in the 41st minute.
Sweden finally broke through when Sofia Jakobsson lifted a lovely cross into the path of Blomqvist, who coolly headed home a bouncing header.
They earned their chance to double their lead from the spot late in the piece after Gabriela Chavez wrestled Blomqvist to the ground.
Rubensson made no mistake with her powerful spot-kick to round out Sweden’s strong group-stage effort.
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