Today, Friday 4 July, Sweden’s hunt for the medals began during this summer’s European Championships in Switzerland. In the premiere, Denmark stood for the opposition-a match that ended with a Swedish 1-0 victory after Filippa Angeldahl pressed the only goal there.
It was a sunny and warm Geneva who welcomed the Swedish women’s team into the European Championships 2025. Sweden, who with 6-1 in the luggage from the last meeting with Denmark, entered as favorites in the European Championship premiere as well as the first match in Group C. But a championship is always a championship-and it would be a smooth event.
The match started spiked by Sweden, where Filippa Angeldahl got a great chance in the Danish’s penalty area. However, it could have been a tough start to the match for Sweden where a penalty situation for the Danes was long examined. But the penalty failed, correct, and the Swedish team could breathe out.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was, as usual, on her edge, and tested the Danish defense but without really being able to get rid of and create a few hundred percent chances. Both Sweden and Denmark threatened with their transition game – but it would take until the 44th minute before the match’s first really hot goal chance came. Filippa Angeldahl sent a hard and well -directed free kick against Maja Bay Østergaard’s right cross – where the Danish goalkeeper stood for a really nice rescue. Closer than that, none of the teams came and 0-0 came out half.
Kosovare Asllani – who with today’s match reached a powerful milestone when she was listed for her 200th international for Sweden – had a nice introduction to the second half. In minute 55th combined she and Filippa Angeldahl played through the Danish defense-whereupon the latter elegantly could place the ball into the goalkeeper’s far corner and 1-0 to Sweden was a fact.
In the second half of the second half, Denmark pressed for a receipt. Next to acknowledge came Pernille Harder who, with a fine distance shot, dotted the target frame. The Danes also tried on a final force, and sent both long and high balls against the Swedish penalty area – but the trials were averted by a stable Swedish defense and Jennifer Falk’s zero was intact the match. 1-0 victory, three points to Sweden and a very important start on the European adventure.
Filippa Angeldahl was of course pleased to be both listed as a goal scorer and to stand as a winner after 90 minutes.
– This is what you dream about. In a premiere there is always some nerves, so it feels incredibly nice that we start with three points. This is the most important thing at this stage of the tournament, she said in SVT after the match.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who stood for a nice first half, was pleased with the Swedish introduction to the tournament.
– It was magical to go out and play today. But then a premiere is always a premiere. It was a lot of duels and other balls, and then the heat does. It was a tough football match, while it is a message of strength from us to win such a match even though it may not look one hundred percent all the time.
Federation captain Peter Gerhardsson was also satisfied and is now focusing on the next challenge in the group.
– It’s a huge joy when the final signal goes. Denmark played smart and had changed a lot compared to the last. But now we look forward to Poland, which will be a completely different type of match.
The next match will be played on Tuesday, July 8, 21:00 against Poland and will be broadcast on Viaplay.
