Schelin double delights Sweden against Iceland

Lotta Schelin scored her 50th international goal as her double earned UEFA Women's EURO 2013 hosts Sweden a 2-0 friendly victory over Iceland.

The sides met in last month's Algarve Cup, where Sweden triumphed 6-1, but there was to be no similar rout on Saturday in Vaxjo. Schelin broke the deadlock with her landmark effort in the 55th minute and sealed the 2-0 win two minutes into stoppage time.

This was an opportunity for Sweden's fellow finalists Iceland to experience one of the venues for this summer's tournament, the Växjö Arena, and for home fans to get a taster of what is to come. They will have been encouraged by Sweden's domination, though the lack of chances created will be a concern.

Left-back Sara Thunebro worked the best first-half openings, but her long pass to Schelin ended with a smothering save by Iceland goalkeeper Thóra Helgadóttir, while one of her crosses was headed off target by Caroline Seger.

After the break, Sweden made their dominance count. Nilla Fischer's long ball was headed on by substitute Emmelie Konradsson to Schelin, who finished coolly from close range for No50 in the Blågult jersey.

Sweden controlled the game, but only sealed the win in added time, when another substitute, Sofia Jakobsson, picked out Schelin from the right and the prolific foward found the bottom corner.

"Our passing tempo was too slow, but the goals were beautiful and important," said Sweden coach Pia Sundhage. Iceland will return to Vaxjo for their last two UEFA Women's EURO 2013 Group B games against Germany on 14 July and the Netherlands three days later.

Both these sides play next on 1 June: Sweden against Norway in Linkoping, Iceland versus Scotland in Reykjavik.