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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nick Ames at the Allmend Stadion

Blackstenius seals Sweden’s knockout place as victory eliminates Poland

Stina Blackstenius celebrates heading Sweden in front during the first half of the match against Poland.
Stina Blackstenius celebrates heading Sweden in front during the first half. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters

This was further evidence that Sweden should be taken seriously. A squad rich in depth and top-level experience are gathering steam and look a nightmarish proposition for whoever is sent their way in the quarter-finals. They will top Group C by avoiding defeat against Germany on Saturday and, with the obvious exception of Spain, have looked at least as convincing as anyone on show so far this summer.

Make no mistake, they will have to pass far tougher tests than the obstacle posed by a limited Poland. The tournament debutants will play for pride in their meeting with Denmark and almost grasped a huge chunk of it here when Milena Kokosz cracked a stupendous strike against the post in added time. In truth, though, Sweden could have doubled their tally at a minimum. They were relentless, thrillingly so at times, and the only concern for Peter Gerhardsson may be that his players were not more clinical.

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