Republic of Ireland 0-5 Sweden

Sweden qualified for the UEFA Women's European Championships as they overpowered the Republic of Ireland in Bray.

Noel King's charges must now take at least a point in the reverse fixture in October if they are to clinch a play-off spot for next year's Championships in Finland.

After Sara Thunebro struck the crossbar with an 11th minute free-kick, the full-back provided the ammunition as the visitors claimed a quick-fire treble.

After Niamh Fahey was penalised for a handball, Thunebro whipped in a free from the right wing.

Defender Karolina Westberg rose at a crowded back post to steer a header into the far corner of the net.

They doubled that lead five minutes later.

From a long ball down the right channel, Swedish captain Victoria Svensson lofted the ball beyond onrushing keeper Emma Byrne with the covering Fahey unable to prevent the ball crossing the line.

Thunebro was also the provider for the third goal in the 28th minute.

This time form the left flank, she picked out Josephine Öqvist who headed past Byrne from eight yards.

The hosts nearly became the first side to score against the Scandvaians in the Group stages when winger Stefanie Curtis was denied by the bar just two minutes after the interval following a mazy run.

The Girls in Green Wicklow connection almost produced dividend just after the hour mark.

Aine O'Gorman's corner was punched clear by net-minder Hedvig Lindahl and world boxing champion Katie Taylor’s powerful header had to be gathered by Lindahl on the line.

Byrne thwarted Svensson with a point-blank save before the Swedes grabbed a fourth with 16 minutes remaining.

Therese Sjögran's corner was cleared back to her. From the second delivery, Arsenal stopper Byrne parried onto the post with the onrushing Westberg blasting the rebound into the roof of the net.

They notched the fifth in the 86th minute. A long through ball saw substitute Lotta Schelin evade Byrne and stroke into an empty net.

Republic of Ireland: Byrne; Curtin, Fahey, Tracy, Moran; O'Gorman, Grant, Malone, Curtis (O'Toole 74 mins); Taylor; O'Brien.

Sweden: Lindahl; Östberg, Westberg, Segerström, Thunebro; Öqvist (Almgren 80 mins), Dahlkvist (Forsberg 73 mins), Fischer, Sjögran; Svensson, Landstrom (Schelin 60 mins).
Referee: Claudine Brohet (Belguim).