Sweden destroy Italy with ‘cheat code tactics’ in Women’s World Cup hammering
Sweden’s 5-0 win over Italy at the Women’s World Cup was aided by a tactical ‘cheat code’ that had fans astounded on social media.
Fridolina Rolfo, Stina Blackstenius and Rebecka Blomqvist were all on target for Peter Gerhardsson’s side as they reached the knockout stages – but 5ft 10in defender Amanda Ilestedt was the unlikely hero.
Italy had the better of the opening stages until Sweden used their secret weapon from the second corner of the game inside the first-half – with ex-Chelsea defender Jonna Andersson providing an inch-perfect delivery.
A grateful Ilestedt, who signed for Arsenal last month, headed past goalkeeper Francesca Durante – and flicked on another corner six minutes later for Rolfo to pounce.
READ MORE: Women’s World Cup star sent off for ‘potential leg breaker’ to earn unwanted record
Blackstenius fired home from close range in added time to put the game to bed – with Ilestedt scoring her second from the same in-swinging corner just five minutes into the second-half.
The fifth and final goal came from Blomqvist on a blistering counter attack, to secure Sweden’s spot in the knockout stages with six points to Italy’s three and one each for South Africa and Argentina.
US outlet Fox Soccer said of the events: “Sweden appears to have the cheat code from the set pieces.” A fan agreed: “Nah, Sweden’s set pieces are a cheat code.”
Who have impressed you most at the World Cup so far? Tell us in the comments section below.
(Image: BBC)
(Image: Getty Images)
A second posted: “Sweden’s set piece is a cheat code.” A fourth then said: “Sweden has a cheat code for corner kicks.”
Referring to their star player on the day, another comment said: “Sweden have a 178cm cheat code.”
Having also headed home in their opening win over South Africa, Ilestedt is also level top goalscorer at the tournament with Brazil’s hat-trick hero Ary Borges.
Just shy of 30,000 fans were in attendance at the Wellington Regional Stadium, 2000 more than the crowd for the United States vs the Netherlands.
(Image: Getty Images)
Follow the Daily Star on Threads
Sweden join Spain and Japan in the second record with two wins from their opening two group fixtures, with England still needing a point.
Despite beating Haiti and Denmark, if England lose to China they will be below them in the table, on either goals scored or head to head record.
England will then drop down to third if Denmark beat Haiti by more than one goal, with three teams on six points and Haiti on zero.
