Sweden 2-1 Switzerland: Substitute Bennison proves the hero | UEFA Women’s European Championship
Teenage substitute Hanna Bennison was the match-winner for Sweden as her sumptuous late strike against Switzerland secured her side’s first win in Group C at UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
Important moments
53′ Rolfö breaks the deadlock
55′ Bachmann curls in the equalizer
69′ Blackstenius shot blocked on the line
79′ Bennison restores Sweden’s lead
Match in brief: Bennison sparkles from the bench
Both those teams had squandered leads in their Group C openers, with Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson reverting to a back four after using three here against the Netherlands. He was boosted by Stina Blackstenius being able to start this time out, and she had the first big chance, a looping header saved by Gaëlle Thalmann as Blågult dominated but struggled to create clear chances against a well-organised Swiss defence.
There was a first-half worry for Sweden when Ramona Bachmann intercepted a pass from former Chelsea clubmate Magdalena Eriksson just over halfway – only to be denied by another ex-Blues colleague, Hedvig Lindahl, assisted by Nathalie Björn. Nevertheless, Switzerland were still under pressure after the break, but often showed cool heads as they passed out of danger under heavy Swedish pressure.
Blackstenius was sent free in the 52nd minute by Filippa Angeldal’s perfect through ball, forcing Thalmann to block. Seconds later, however, the Nati No1 was beaten when Fridolina Rolfö received a pass from Kosovare Asllani and made no mistake with her angled finish.
The lead lasted two minutes, when a punched clearance from Lindahl fell to Bachmann in the box and the Paris Saint-Germain striker crept in. Sweden now had to do it all again, and with 69 minutes gone they looked ready to, Blackstenius picking up a loose ball in the box with Thalmann out of position, but first Viola Calligaris on the line and then substitute Rachel Rinast blocked her shot.
Switzerland’s attacks remained rare, but Lindahl did well to get down and save from Ana-Maria Crnogorčević. With 11 minutes remaining, however, Bennison won the match with a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area through a sea of bodies to take Sweden to four points with Switzerland on one.
Show Player of the Match: Caroline Seger (Sweden)
“A very important player for Sweden, she recovered and distributed the ball well. Always available to receive a pass. Captain and leader of the team.”
UEFA Technical Observer Panel
Alexandra Jonson, Swedish reporter
Sweden needed to win and that was the main goal, which they achieved. But they struggled quite a bit and didn’t pick up the pace as much as they would have liked. But with players of this quality, the goals will come sooner or later. Rolfö, with a goal and an assist, was one of many who stood out and Gerhardsson got his substitutions just right, injecting the flow the attack had been missing. Despite that, there is still a lot for Sweden to work on if they want to go all the way in this tournament. Taking the victory today was the first step.
Judith Tuffentsammer, Swiss reporter
Switzerland knew they were the underdogs here but also knew they had everything to play for as Sweden were under pressure. They were able to contain the Swedish attack for long periods and Bachmann delivered what she predicted yesterday: if Switzerland got chances, they could score – and she got the job done herself. There is still one game left in the group and because of the results so far, it is not over yet.
Reaction
Peter Gerhardsson, Sweden coach: “There are many things we can do better but right now I’m just very happy that we won the game and are in a good position to go beyond the group stage […] When [Bennison] played his first match for the national team against the USA [in a friendly in November 2019], she continued, making an immediate difference. She is only 19 years old but she acts as if she has already played several EUROs, even though this is her first. She’s a very brave girl and a great addition to take on.”
Caroline Seger, Visa player of the match: “I’ve played in many tournaments and we’ve never had so many Sweden fans like here. I’m so happy and proud that they were here for us because it helps us win matches – especially today, when it was tougher.”
Fridolina Rolfö, Sweden forward: “I’m so happy we have players like Hanna Bennison coming in and scoring. It means a lot to have such a good squad – the substitutes came in and changed the color of the game today.”
Hanna Bennison, Sweden’s top scorer: “It was a very important win for us. To score my first goal like this is absolutely amazing. I just wanted to come in and make an impact and help the team win.”
Nils Nielsen, Switzerland coach: “I think we tried everything we could. We made it difficult for Sweden in all situations on the pitch. The individual performances of the players were top, and I am satisfied.
“If we can put together a similar performance [against the Netherlands on Sunday], we have a chance. But that doesn’t change much. The Netherlands will still be big favorites going into the game and it would be a horror for them if they went out in the group stage.”
Ramona Bachmann, goalscorer in Switzerland: “We had a good game against a really good opponent and we did our best, for sure. I think we should have been a bit smarter at the end because it was 1-1 with 11 minutes to play, and if it’s 1 – 1 against such a good opponent, you just need to get over the line and leave with a point.”
Key statistics
- Excluding penalty shootouts, Sweden is undefeated in its last 32 international matches.
- Sweden has now won 13 of its 14 international matches against Switzerland (L1).
- Sweden’s opener was the 450th EC women’s final goal.
- Victory extended his European record caps to 232.
- Bennison scored her first senior international goal and became Sweden’s third youngest goalscorer in women’s EC history at 19 years and 270 days.
- Bachmann became the first player to score more than one goal for Switzerland at the Women’s European Championships.
Lineups
Sweden: Lindahl; Glas, Ilestedt, Björn, Eriksson; Victory, Asllani, Angeldal (Bennison 68); Rolfö, Blackstenius (Blomqvist 79), Hurtig (Rytting Kaneryd 68)
Switzerland: Thalmann; Maritz Calligaris, Bühler, Aigbogun (Rinast 59); Wälti, Maendly (Mauron 68); Crnogorčević, Sow, Reuteler (Riesen 59); Bachmann (Humm 72)