Sweden have edged closer to qualification for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 quarter-finals after Hanna Bennison’s late goal handed them a 2-1 victory over Switzerland at Bramall Lane.
The game looked set to end level with both sides struggling to create quality goalscoring opportunities but Everton midfielder Bennison came off the bench to net a stunning winning goal for Sweden.
Switzerland thought they had a penalty early on when Magda Eriksson caught Noelle Maritz in the box but the referee changed her decision following a VAR review.
Ramona Bachmann was then denied by Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl after Eriksson’s loose pass had let Switzerland in on goal before Kosovare Asllani’s free-kick went narrowly wide at the other end.
Sweden went close after the break through Fridolina Rolfö before Stina Blackstenius’ shot was blocked by defender and Swiss keeper Gaëlle Thalmann.
The Swedes finally took the lead through Rolfö who slotted in at the near post after being played through on goal.
From that point, you would have expected Sweden to kick on but Switzerland immediately levelled. A ball into the box was only half-cleared and Bachmann curled her effort from 20 yards into the far corner.
Viola Calligaris then blocked a shot on the line as Sweden pushed to regain the lead before substitute Bennison provided a moment of magic when she rifled home the winning goal from 20 yards.
Sweden had chances to extend their lead, substitute Rebecka Blomqvist twice had the ball in the back of the net but on both occasions she was ruled to be in an offside position.
The result means that Sweden are on the verge of qualification for the quarter-finals while Switzerland must beat The Netherlands on Matchday 3.
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