Angel brings Sweden to earth

A late goal from Ann-Christin Angel earned Germany a share of the points in a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Neufeld stadium.

Swedish counterattacks
Germany held the upper hand in both possession and territory, but it was the Swedes who created the best openings of the first half with their 4-5-1 formation allowing them to conserve energy in the heat and unleash some lightning counterattacks.

Krantz opener
Captain Nadine Kessler went close for Germany on 27 minutes, narrowly missing the target after a neat solo run. However, it was Sweden who went in front seven minutes before half-time when Maja Krantz controlled a through-ball on the left, cut inside the last defender and beat Romina Holz with a shot that the goalkeeper got a touch to but could not keep out.

Holz save
Despite Germany's increased pressure after the break the Swedes nearly doubled their lead when Emelia Erixon ran unchallenged onto a long ball but could not hit the target. A minute later Holz was forced into a brilliant save when Lina Nilsson took aim from the edge of the box.

Late drama
But Germany persevered, with Kessler testing Stéphanie Öhrström before the equaliser finally came two minutes from time. Substitute Angel reacted first to a Swedish clearance on the left and powered a volley into the top-left corner. Sweden might still have won in stoppage time it when Lina Nilsson's attempted cross from the right flew over Holz and struck the post, but the ball ricocheted kindly for the German goalkeeper.

Thursday encounters
A point keeps both sides in contention, but Germany will be particularly keen to defeat the current Group A leaders Denmark in Langenthal on Thursday, while at the same time Sweden take on Belgium in Berne.

Player of the Match: Fatmire Bajramaj (Germany)