Sweden wins quarterfinals against Belgium
Sweden is to England and Germany reached the semi-finals of the European Women’s Football Championship. The 1984 title winner struggled to a 1-0 (0-0) win against outsiders Belgium in the quarter-finals in front of around 7,500 spectators in Leigh on Friday evening. The decisive goal scored for coach Peter Gerhardsson’s team Linda Sembrant in the second minute of stoppage time.
The Swedes now play in Sheffield on Tuesday against hosts England for a place in the final on July 31 at Wembley Stadium in London. Belgium had made it through to the quarter-finals thanks to a 1-0 win against Italy in their last group game, but were only able to set a few accents against the tournament co-favourites.
Sweden had to do without defenders Hanna Glas from FC Bayern Munich and Emma Kullberg (Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC) because of positive corona tests, but they were still the dominant team for long stretches. A goal by Stina Blackstenius was disallowed in the 27th minute after video evidence for an offside position.
In Belgium, Tine De Caigny from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim scored the all-important 1-0 win over Italy, but the striker was harmless against Sweden. The outsider impressed above all with his defensive qualities, with which he demanded everything from the Swedes until injury time. (dpa)
