Sweden 2-1 Switzerland: Substitute Bennison turns out to be a hero
Teenage substitute Hanna Bennison was the match winner for Sweden when her lavish late battle against Switzerland secured her team’s first victory 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 leadership
Match in brief: Bennison sparkles from the bench
Both of these teams had wasted the lead in their group C openers, and Sweden’s coach Peter Gerhardsson went back to a back four after using three here against the Netherlands. He was strengthened by the fact that Stina Blackstenius could start this time out, and she had the first big chance, a winding nod that was saved by Gaëlle Thalmann when Blågult dominated but fought to create clear chances against a well-organized Swiss defense.
It was a concern in the first half for Sweden when Ramona Bachmann intercepted a pass from former Chelsea clubmate Magdalena Eriksson just over halfway – only to be denied by a second ex-Blues colleague, Hedvig Lindahl, with the help of Nathalie Björn. Still, Switzerland was still under pressure after the break, but often showed cold in the head when they passed without danger under heavy Swedish pressure.
Blackstenius was sent off in the 52nd minute by Filippa Angeldal’s perfect break, which forced Thalmann to block. Seconds later, however, Nati No1 was beaten when Fridolina Rolfö got a pass from Kosovar Asllani and made no mistake with her angled finish.
The lead lasted for two minutes, when a punched clearance from Lindahl fell against Bachmann in the box and the striker from Paris Saint-Germain crawled in. Sweden now had to redo everything again, and with 69 minutes away they seemed ready to, Blackstenius picked 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.
Swiss attacks were still rare, but Lindahl did well and saved from Ana-Maria Crnogorčević. With 11 minutes left, however, Bennison won the match with a nice shot from the edge of the penalty area through a sea of bodies and took Sweden on to four points with Switzerland on one.
Show Match Player: 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’s technical observer panel
Alexandra Jonson, Sweden Reporter
Sweden needed to win and that was the main goal, which they achieved. But they struggled quite a bit and did not get up to speed as much as they would have liked. But with players of this quality, the goals 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, injected 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 underdogs here but also knew they had everything to play for because Sweden was under pressure. They were able to hold back the Swedish attack for long periods and Bachmann delivered what she predicted yesterday: if Switzerland got chances, they could score goals – and she got the job done herself. There is still one match left in the group and due to 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 match and have a good position to take us beyond the group stage.
“When [Bennison] played his first match for the national team against the United States [in a friendly in November 2019], she continued, making a direct difference. She is only 19 years old but she behaves as if she has already played several EUROs, even though this is her first. She is a very brave girl and a good addition to take on. “
Nils Nielsen, Switzerland coach: “I think we tried everything we could. We made it difficult for Sweden in all situations on the pitch. The players’ individual performances were top, and I am satisfied.
“If we can put together a similar achievement as today [against the Netherlands on Sunday], we have a chance. But that does not change much. The Netherlands will still be big favorites in the match and it would be scary for them if they went out in the group stage. “
Caroline Seger, Visa match player: “I have played in many tournaments and we have never had so many Swedish fans as here. I am so happy and proud that they were here for us because it helps us win matches – especially today, when it was tougher.”
Hanna Bennison, Sweden’s goal scorer: “It was a very important win for us. To be able to score my first goal in this way is absolutely fantastic. I just wanted to come in and influence and help the team win.”
Fridolina Rolfö, Sweden forward: “I’m so glad we have players like Hanna Bennison coming in and scoring. It means a lot that we have such a good squad – the substitutes came in and changed the color of the match today.”
Ramona Bachmann, goal scorer in Switzerland: “We had a good match against a really good opponent and we did our best, of course. I think we should have been a little smarter at the end because it was 1-1 with 11 minutes left to play and if it is 1- 1 against such a good opponent, you just need to get over time and leave with one point. “
Key statistics
- Excluding penalties, Sweden is undefeated in its last 32 international matches.
- Sweden has now won 13 of its 14 international matches against Switzerland (L1).
- Sweden’s premiere was the 450th European Championship final goal for women.
- Victory increased its European record in international matches to 232.
- Bennison scored his first international goal for seniors and became Sweden’s third youngest goal scorer in women’s European Championship history in 19 years and 270 days.
- Bachmann became the first player to score more than one goal for Switzerland at the European Women’s Championships.
Lineups
Sweden: Lindahl; Glas, Ilestedt, Björn, Eriksson; Seger, 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)