Sweden emphatically secured their place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament with a dominant 6-0 victory over Serbia at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm. This resounding win, coupled with their 2-0 victory in the first leg in Serbia the previous week, cemented an 8-0 aggregate triumph and showcased the team’s impressive form and depth of talent.
The match in Stockholm was a stark contrast to the somewhat sluggish first half witnessed in the away leg. Just fifteen minutes into the game, Sweden were awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a late challenge on Filippa Angeldahl. Angeldahl confidently converted the spot-kick herself, setting the tone for a goal-filled evening. The chilly Stockholm weather was no deterrent for the Swedish side, playing under the closed roof of the Tele2 Arena, as they built on their early lead with remarkable efficiency.
Three minutes after the opening goal, Angeldahl turned provider, orchestrating a beautiful passage of play on the right flank and delivering a pinpoint pass to captain Kosovare Asllani, who neatly slotted home the second goal. The attacking onslaught continued, with Stina Blackstenius adding two more goals before the half-hour mark, bringing the score to a commanding 4-0 at halftime. Blackstenius expressed her delight at her brace, acknowledging a touch of fortune in the first goal but highlighting the quality of her finish for the second.
The second half was a more controlled affair, with Sweden comfortably managing their substantial lead. However, there was still time for another moment of brilliance. Hanna Bennison, who also scored in the first leg, curled in a stunning long-range effort to make it 5-0. Reflecting on her goal, Bennison described a slightly fortuitous initial touch before regaining control and unleashing her powerful shot. The Juventus midfielder reveled in her contribution to both matches, acknowledging the increased playing time and the opportunity to showcase her abilities.
In the closing minutes, Anna Anvegård added the final touch, completing the 6-0 rout in front of a jubilant home crowd of over 12,000 spectators. This comprehensive victory underscores Sweden’s strong credentials as they look ahead to Euro 2025. Bennison, in particular, expressed satisfaction with her performance and the team’s success, emphasizing the tough competition within the squad and her own development since joining Juventus.
The decisive win against Serbia effectively ended the qualifying tie as a contest, allowing Sweden to look forward to the tournament proper. The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 is scheduled to take place in Switzerland from July 2nd to 27th, with the final being held at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. Sixteen teams will participate, including the reigning European champions, England, and the reigning world champions, Spain. The draw for the group stage will occur in Lausanne on December 16th.
Sweden’s preparations for the Euros will continue with the upcoming Nations League, a tournament that also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup. Their Nations League campaign includes matches against Denmark, Wales, and Italy, both home and away. These matches will provide valuable opportunities for the team to refine their strategies and maintain their momentum leading up to the European Championship.
The two victories over Serbia, particularly the emphatic home performance, sent a strong message to their rivals. The squad demonstrated not only their attacking prowess but also their defensive solidity, keeping clean sheets in both legs. The team’s depth was also evident, with several players making significant contributions. This bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming tournaments, where squad rotation and tactical flexibility will be crucial. The emergence of younger players like Bennison and Kafaji alongside established stars like Asllani and Blackstenius provides a promising blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
The focus now shifts to the Nations League and the subsequent preparations for Euro 2025. Sweden will aim to build on their current form and fine-tune their tactics during the Nations League matches, using them as a springboard for a successful European Championship campaign. The team will be eager to make a strong impression in Switzerland and challenge for the title. With a potent attack, a solid defense, and a growing sense of confidence, Sweden is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The qualification for Euro 2025 marks another milestone in Swedish women’s football. The team’s consistent performances in major tournaments have solidified their status as one of the elite nations in women’s football. They will be looking to translate their qualifying form into tournament success, aiming to improve on their previous performances and challenge for the European crown. The blend of experienced players and emerging talent creates a dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest level. With continued hard work and tactical preparation, Sweden will undoubtedly be a contender for the title in 2025.
The resounding victory over Serbia, coupled with the promising performances of young players, has generated a wave of optimism among Swedish football fans. The team’s attacking flair and defensive resilience have captured the imagination, and expectations are high for a successful campaign in the upcoming tournaments. The Nations League matches will provide further opportunities for the team to solidify their playing style and build momentum.
The success of the Swedish women’s team also serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the country. The visibility and achievements of the national team play a crucial role in promoting the growth of women’s football at the grassroots level. The performances of players like Bennison and Kafaji, who have risen through the ranks of Swedish football, serve as role models for the next generation. The future of Swedish women’s football appears to be in good hands, with a pipeline of talent emerging to complement the established stars.
As Sweden looks ahead to Euro 2025, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their recent success and the unwavering support of their fans. The journey to Switzerland promises to be exciting, and the team is determined to make a lasting impact on the tournament. With their blend of experience, youthful energy, and tactical acumen, Sweden has the potential to achieve great things on the European stage. The emphatic victory over Serbia serves as a resounding statement of intent, signaling their ambition to be crowned champions of Europe.
