Ranked first in the world according to FIFA, Sweden continued their lacklustre form against an improved Switzerland team to claim a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Magda Eriksson’s 43rd minute header.
In general, Sweden were rather underwhelming in Gothenburg, unable to stamp their authority on a fixture that could have given them some momentum while chasing Spain in League A Group 4. Although Sweden did improve after the break, when they were already a goal to the good, the team still lacked the attacking flair that coach Peter Gerhardsson holds dear. With a defensively resolute Italy team up next on Tuesday, it might be time for Gerhardsson to see what other tricks are up his sleeve.
Renard shows her stature
At the ripe age of 33, France centre-back Wendie Renard is still as important as ever. The eight-time Champions League winner is one of the most recognisable figures around women’s football, not just for her stature in the game but for her actual stature — at 6-foot-2, Renard is hard to miss.
One of Lyon and France’s (not so) secret weapons over the years has been Renard’s aerial ability in both boxes and even now, 12 years after her first France cap, teams fail to appropriately mark the rangy defender and can do little when she rises for a header.
Indeed, with Norway have pulled their League A Group 2 match back to 1-1, they fell into the Renard trap and failed to marshal the defender for Salma Bacha’s whipped corner, allowing her to steer home a 69th-minute header.
France could have made things easier on themselves and converted a few more of their chances, but once again Renard was there to ensure their unbeaten start to the tournament continues.
Kirby returns for England
Could England have scored more in the 1-0 over Belgium in Leicester? Yes. Should they? Also, yes.
For the Lionesses, who surrendered a late goal last time out vs. Netherlands, getting three points on the board in the League A Group 1 clash was key. The match may have been a dominant one from an English perspective (23 shots to 12; 72% possession to 28%), but also one that was riddled with missed chances. Still, one major positive saw a return to international action for fans’ favourite Fran Kirby.
The inspirational midfielder had been out of contention for her national team for over a year due to injury and, although she won’t just walk back into the starting XI, her return gives coach Sarina Wiegman much needed room for rotation and will allow Ella Toone a rest.
