Gothenburg, April 13 (BNA): Sweden became the first European team to qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as Kosovar Aslani’s second-half goal secured the point they needed in a 1-1 draw at home with Ireland. .
Ranked second in the world, Sweden was pushed by the Irish, who advanced through winger Katie McCabe before the break.
Sweden’s intense pressure finally paid off when substitute Olivia Schauf made a superb first-time pass to Aslani, who curled the ball home in the 79th minute to give Sweden the top of Group A with 19 points after seven games, Reuters reported.
The result was still excellent for Ireland, who are third in the group with eight points from five matches, two points behind Finland, who beat Georgia 6-0 in a postponed match.
Earlier, Iceland climbed to the top of Group C with a 1-0 win away to the Czech Republic giving them a one-point lead over second-placed Netherlands.