Women’s Euro 2025: Sweden Defeats Denmark 1-0 in Scandinavian Derby
Angeldal scores winner as Sweden kicks off Group C campaign with victory
Sweden continued their impressive record against Denmark with a 1-0 victory on Friday night in their Women’s Euro 2025 Group C opener, marking their fourth straight competitive win over their Scandinavian rivals.
Denmark, still reeling from a heavy 6-1 defeat to Sweden just last month, adopted a defensive approach from the outset, switching to a five-at-the-back system in an attempt to contain their opponents.
Sweden, however, dominated territory and possession. Early on, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd burst forward and set up Filippa Angeldal, whose shot was superbly saved by Stine Ballisager. A lengthy VAR check for a potential Denmark penalty then disrupted the rhythm of the match, but no spot-kick was awarded, and genuine scoring opportunities remained scarce for both teams through the first half.
Sweden’s first shot on target came in the 44th minute, when Angeldal’s free kick forced a sharp save from Danish goalkeeper Maja Østergaard.
Angeldal Breaks Through
After the break, Sweden continued to push forward and were finally rewarded 10 minutes into the second half. Angeldal combined well with Kosovare Asllani on the edge of the area, playing a clever one-two before slotting a composed finish into the bottom left corner. It was Angeldal’s third consecutive international match with a goal.
Denmark responded with their first real chance of the night, as Emma Snerle fired low but saw her effort cleared by Nathalie Björn. Sweden nearly doubled their lead soon after, but Frederikke Thøgersen made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Stina Blackstenius.
In the closing stages, Danish star Pernille Harder came agonizingly close to equalizing and matching her national scoring record, but her effort struck the post.
Sweden held firm to secure all three points and gain a crucial advantage in a group that also includes Germany, one of the tournament favorites.
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Key Takeaways
- Sweden’s Filippa Angeldal was the match winner, continuing her impressive scoring form.
- Denmark’s Pernille Harder was denied her 79th international goal by the woodwork.
- Sweden maintained nearly 60% possession and looked the sharper side despite Denmark’s defensive shape.
What’s Next?
Sweden will face Poland in their second Group C match on Tuesday, July 8, aiming to build on their winning start. Denmark, meanwhile, will look to recover against Germany later that same day, hoping to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit.
