Sweden Women 1-0 Belgium Women: Sweden set up England’s semi-final after Linda Sembrant’s last-gasp goal | Football news
Sweden set up a Euro 2022 semi-final showdown with England after Linda Sembrant’s last-gasp goal saw them beat Belgium 1-0 in a tight quarter-final match.
Although Sweden went into the match as heavy favourites, it proved to be a much tighter match than many could have predicted, turning into a battle of wills as time went on.
Sweden thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Stina Blackstenius shot past goalkeeper Nicky Evrard. She collected a lovely forward pass from Kosovare Asllani before keeping her cool to beat the Belgian stopper, but after a VAR check she was ruled offside.
The Swedes registered 33 shots at Leigh Sports Village, although most of these came from range as they struggled to break down a well-drilled Belgium. However, it was a dramatic end when Sembrant returned home with extra time.
Evrard had made some fantastic saves throughout and almost denied Sweden again, beating away Asllani’s corner delivery and blocking Natalie Björn’s follow-up. But she could do nothing for Sembrant to turn home from close range with the rebound as Belgium were beaten in their first ever knockout match at a major international tournament.
Sweden now arrange a powerful semi-final meeting with tournament hosts England on Tuesday night for a place in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley on 31 July.
How Sweden finally broke through Belgium’s defense
Sweden had the best of the opening chances. Filippa Angeldahl forced a superb save from Evrard inside six minutes, before also shooting wide from the resulting corner. Evrard was again in fine form soon after, stopping Amanda Ilestedt’s corner at the near post before preventing Blackstenius from hitting the rebound.
After the Arsenal midfielder’s disallowed goal, Belgium saw their best chances of the half. Tessa Wullaert’s dismissal of Julie Biesmans saw the latter skim an effort past the post. The Belgium captain was provider again not long after, but her cross was well saved by Hedvig Lindahl.
The second half could by no means be considered a classic, although it was an exciting start as Illestedt sent a cross into the corner of the post, but the offside flag was up.
Belgium continued to rally their opponents well, but needed another world-class save from Evrard to keep them in the game in the 73rd minute. Asllani’s free kick was headed back over by Linda Sembrant. It landed for Blackstenius, but her poke from inside the six-yard box was stopped by Evrard.
The Red Flames introduced Elena Dhont in the second half and she proved a lively attacking outlet as Belgium looked to pull off a shock victory. In the final 10 minutes, Dhont was sent off on the right and tried to catch Lindahl off her line, but her shot hammered into the side netting.
Minutes later she played the ball to Wullaert down the right before running into the area, but Amanda Nilden was there to head the ball away before Dhont.
But despite all their good work, Belgium’s defense was finally broken with just seconds to go until 30 extra minutes, sending Sweden into the last four.
Analysis: What can England expect?
Sky Sports Charlotte Marsh:
“Any England fans watching Sweden’s quarter-final would be forgiven for thinking that Tuesday’s semi-final will be an easy ride. Sweden looked heavy, struggled to break down Belgium’s defense and were nowhere near their best.
“But it hasn’t been the easiest of preparations. They have been hit by a wave of Covid absences, including key players like Hannah Glas and Jonna Andersson, who will certainly start on Tuesday if they are fit enough.
“There was no overlap from the full-backs against Belgium, which stifled Sweden’s creativity. Glas and Andersson, who play more as full-backs, provide that outlet and will give England’s own full-backs a tough test.
“But Sweden need to be quicker in their game. England are packed in transition, get the ball out to their wings in lightning time. They will punish the Swedes time and time again if given this opportunity.
“They are likely to let England have the better of possession and chances, especially if they don’t have their key players fully fit. Despite having over 30 chances on Friday, Sweden’s efforts were largely limited to long range.
“But one area that Sweden looked incredibly strong against Belgium is set-pieces. They scored their goal from a corner and those were the times when the Red Flames looked most vulnerable.
“Sweden are a big side in terms of height and England can match this, but they have to keep their concentration. On the other hand, the Lionesses are also dangerous in their set-pieces.
“Sarina Wiegman’s team must also make the most of their two extra days and additional players – for now – in training. While Sweden avoided an energy-sapping extra 30 minutes, the extra rest could prove vital.
“But England were also not at their best against Spain and both teams need to improve for the semi-final. All eyes will be on Bramall Lane and the occasion deserves an entertaining spectacle.”
Eriksson: We must be fresh by Tuesday
Sweden defender Magdalena Eriksson told BBC Sport:
“It feels incredible. That was our goal for the day. It wasn’t easy and Belgium made it really difficult. I’m so happy we won. I’m so happy for Linda and that we finally got the goal.
“It was really tough. We had to stay mentally really strong. We had to stay positive. We did. We were going to go on until the 94th minute and keep pushing.
“There are so many emotions. I felt the tears coming because I was so happy. It was a frustrating night, but to finally get that relief, I’m so proud of all the girls for how hard we fought.”
About the semi-final with England: “It will be an extremely tough game. England have been fantastic in the tournament so far. I know all the players – extremely talented players. We really have to be on it. It’s about recovering and getting fresh again.”
If two days less preparation gives England the advantage: “No. We’re in the flow of playing games. It’s about what we make of it. I’m sure we’ll be 100 percent fresh on Tuesday.”
What comes next?
Sweden will now meet England in the semi-final on Tuesday at Bramall Lane with kick-off at 20:00. The Euro 2022 final will take place at Wembley on 31 July; kick-off 17.00.
The knockout phase…
Quarter finals
Wednesday 20 July
Quarter-final 1: England 2-1 Spain (AET)
Thursday 21 July
Quarter Final 2: Germany 2-0 Austria
Friday, July 22
Quarter Final 3: Sweden 1-0 Belgium
Saturday, July 23
Quarter Final 4: France vs Netherlands – kick-off 20:00, New York Stadium
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 26
Semi-final 1: England vs Sweden – kick-off 20:00, Bramall Lane
Wednesday, July 27
Semi-final 2: Germany vs France or Netherlands – kick-off 20:00, Stadium MK
Final
Sunday, July 31
Winner of semi-final 1 v Winner of semi-final 2 – kick-off 17:00, Wembley
Follow Euro 2022 on Sky Sports
Sky Sports News and Sky Sports’ digital platforms will follow every step of England’s journey to Euro 2022 ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final.
Along the way, the Sky Sports News Mobile Presentation bus will continue to bring you all the best guests and analysis from the likes of Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett offering their expert insights. The bus will be based in the heart of Sheffield for England’s last four matches, before heading to Wembley for the final.
On SkySports.com, the Sky Sports app and on social media, we’ll have all the big moments covered with our previews, features, reports, analysis, plus the Sky Sports Women’s Euros podcast with Sky Sports senior football journalist Charlotte Marsh and Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui.
And if you’re new to the England squad, don’t worry – here’s our guide to meeting the Lionesses.
As well as England, Sky Sports News and Sky Sports digital will also be covering all the knockout matches as we head towards the showpiece final on 31 July.