The Swedes had fun against the Thais this afternoon. The match between the two teams did not last very long as Sweden was far superior.
Under intense heat, Sweden and Thailand faced off in the second day of the 2019 World Cup. Favorites, the Swedes didn’t take long to take the lead. Just six minutes in, Sembrant scored with a header and (a little) with her shoulder (1-0, 6th minute).
A few minutes later, Asllani scored from close range (2-0, 19th minute) and Rolfo made it three before the break with a magnificent left-footed strike (3-0, 42nd minute). At halftime, Sweden was overwhelmingly dominant and already on their way to the round of sixteen.
In the second half, however, the Swedes struggled a lot, probably more troubled by the heat than by the Thais, who found it difficult to be threatening. It would take until the last ten minutes to see the nets shake again.
From a cross by Schoug, Hurtig placed a perfect header, leaving the Thai goalkeeper no chance (4-0, 81st minute).
Thailand, however, accomplished a small feat when, in the opening moments of added time, a counterattack launched by Nild ended with a powerful strike by Sungngoen (4-1, 90+1st minute). A goal celebrated like a victory by the Thai staff and players, who had set the goal of scoring that elusive goal.
The end of the match remained anecdotal, with a fifth goal scored from a penalty following a video review, converted by Rubensson (5-1, 90+6th minute). The third recourse to video refereeing in as many World Cup matches played in Nice. Quite a symbol…
Sweden thus secured their spot in the round of sixteen, while Thailand will play one last time against Chile on Thursday. The Swedes will face the formidable Team USA in a match that will decide the two top teams in Group F.
