Everton’s Bennison strikes a surprise when Sweden defeats Switzerland in Sheffield
Sweden has approached the qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 after Hanna Bennison’s late goal gave them a 2-1 victory over Switzerland at Bramall Lane.
The match seemed to be over, with both sides struggling to create high-quality goal chances, but Everton’s midfielder Bennison came off the bench and scored a fantastic winning goal for Sweden.
Switzerland thought they had a penalty early when Lina Hurtig pushed Noelle Maritz into the box but the referee changed her decision after a VAR review.
Ramona Bachmann was then denied by Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl after Madga Eriksson’s loose pass had let Switzerland in on goal before Kosovar Asllani’s free kick went just wide at the other end.
Sweden went close after a break through Fridolina Rolfö before Stina Blackstenius’ shot was blocked by the hill and Swiss goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann.
The Swedes finally took the lead through Rolfö who put in at the nearest post after being played through on goal.
From that point on, they had expected Sweden to kick in, but Switzerland leveled immediately. A ball into the box was only half cleared and Bachmann curled his effort from 20 meters into the far corner.
Viola Calligaris then blocked a shot on the line when Sweden pressed to regain the lead before substituting Bennison gave a moment of magic when she hit home the winning goal from 20 yards.
Sweden had chances to expand their lead, replaced Rebecka Blomqvist had twice the ball in the net but on both occasions she was ruled in offside mode.
The result means that Sweden is about to qualify for the quarterfinals while Switzerland must beat the Netherlands on the third match day.