Paris (AFP)
As in 2003. Sixteen years after defeating Canada in the semi-finals with a goal of difference to afford a shock against Germany, Sweden re-offended Monday in Paris, this time in the knockout stages of the Coupe du world.
Victorious 1 goal to 0 of the "Canucks", the Scandinavians can thank their striker Stina Blackstenius, who pulled his teammates as the public Park Princes of the torpor of a match so far closed.
After a first period dominated by the players of Kenneth Heiner-Moller, who have however systematically faced a Swedish defense very grouped, the 2nd period saw the Nordiques take more initiatives.
The reward was quick: in the 55th minute, Blackstenius, well started by Kosovare Asllani, won his duel with the Canadian goalie to give the ascendancy to his side.
A flattering advantage, but not completely usurped given the rigor displayed by the Blågult since the beginning of the game.
The advance of Peter Gerhardsson's flock could have been reduced to nothing by a penalty kicked a few minutes later by the referee for an Asllani foul.
Except that the Swedish goalkeeper plunged on the right side and sealed the final score with a good twenty minutes in advance, despite a big break opportunity brilliantly diverted by Stephanie Labbé.
With their victory, the Scandinavians are offered a ticket to the quarterfinals, where they will return to Germany.
The "Mannschaft" hardly evokes good memories for the Swedes, defeats 1-2 in the final of the 2003 World Cup and 1-4 in the round of 16 of the 2015 edition.
The doubles world champions also remain on a large victory (3-0) against Nigeria in their first knockout match of this World Cup.
But before the reunion on Saturday, place Tuesday in the last two duels of the round of 16, Italy-China and Netherlands-Japan.
? 2019 AFP