Sweden sink England with second-half show
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Article summary
England 0-2 Sweden
Calle Barrling's side got off to the perfect start, scoring two second-half goals to sink England and top the nascent Group B standings.
Article top media content
Article body
Sweden made the perfect start to life in UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship Group B with a 2-0 victory over England.
• Bartrip own goal gives Sweden lead on the hour
• Blackstenius adds a second to seal the win
• England test Zecira Musovic six times without reward
• Sweden beat England in 2012 en route to the trophy
• Ireland enjoy dream debut against Spain elsewhere
Molly Bartrip's own goal, headed into England's net from close range, was an unfortunate and decisive moment, and Sweden took full advantage. Suddenly they started to unpick the stoic defence, and doubled their advantage following a long through ball, which rolled past goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley and was tapped over the line by Stina Blackstenius.
At the other end, England forced six saves from goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, but could not find a way past her on the slippery artificial surface. The victory could be a positive omen for Sweden: the last time they beat England at the finals, in 2012, they went on to lift the trophy.
Brent Hills, England manager
We defended really well, even if both goals were mistakes. One was an own goal and the other was a straight ball through the pitch. Our play in the first two thirds was actually quite good, and we did create chances, but didn't have enough to trouble their back four and their goalkeeper in terms of finishing. We have 17 players who can play next year at this age group, and four who can play in two years. We try and win every game but we also try to gain as much valuable experience as possible.
Calle Barrling, Sweden coach
We're in the finals now, and while you do everything you can ahead of a tournament like this, it's impossible really to prepare for what you have on the pitch. That showed, because we were hesitant and tense to begin with. I think we had a better second half and the more the game developed, we got some more energy. England's tactical defending was brilliant and it made for an interesting game. We dominated the last 25 or 30 minutes but England were great opposition.