A three-goal blitz just before half-time helped Sweden to a dominant 5-0 win over Italy in Wellington as they booked their spot in the Women's World Cup knockout stages with a match to spare.
Amanda Ilestedt scored the first of her two goals in the 39th minute when she got up well to head home Jonna Andersson's corner and further efforts from Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius inside seven minutes ended the match as a contest.
Ilestedt found the net once again shortly after half-time and substitute Rebecka Blomqvist completed the rout in stoppage time.
Stina Blackstenius finishes from close range as Sweden put this game to bed in six first-half minutes #wwc2023
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 29, 2023
📺 Watch https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE pic.twitter.com/CD4oSU7IvO
Italy dominated possession early on but could not deal with the Swedish aerial threat at corners and the 2003 runners-up handed them their worst defeat in a World Cup match.
Although a hammer blow to Italy's confidence, they can still advance to the last 16 by avoiding defeat in their final Group G fixture against South Africa on Wednesday.
