Thank you so much for joining me this evening for this quarter-final. It was heartbreak for Belgium but Sweden are through to the semis where they will face England.
If you want to relive any of the action read Andy Hunter’s report who was at Leigh Sports Village:
Asllani has been shown limping after the game, hopefully she isn’t ruled out for the semi! Sweden they will need to have against England.
Here is the game winner! The celebrations show what it means:
An incredible finish to this quarter-final! 😮
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 22, 2022
Sweden seal victory at the death with a late goal that sends them into the semi-finals at #WEuro2022.
📲 💻 📺 Live on @BBCTwo, @BBCiPlayer, @BBCSounds & @BBCSport app ⤵️#BBCEuros #BBCFootball
Sweden only made one change in that second half, waiting until the 83rd minute to bring Bennison on. A strange decision with BBC commentators suggesting their could be players unfit to play that Sweden haven’t made public. Belgium goalkeeper Evrard was player of the match.
I can’t put into words how gutted I feel for Belgium. It is a deserved win for Sweden after all of those chances but Belgium had a great defence. They just kept them out and it’s a risky pinball after a corner which sees them through. Just wow! It is Sweden who will face England in the semi-final.
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Full-time: Sweden 1-0 Belgium
Oh my word, Belgium have crumbled to the floor as the full whistle goes. That must be crushing, it was a gutsy defence from Belgium. But after 32 attempts at goal Sweden were going to find a way through.
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90+3 min: Evrard initially saved the ball but Sembrandt pounced on the rebound.
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GOAL! Sweden 1-0 Belgium (Sembrandt, 90+2')
Heartbreak for Belgium as Sweden score from a corner!
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90 + 1 min: There are three minutes added as Dhont crosses it in but Lindahl catches well. Can someone find a breakthrough?
89 min: Belgium makes a change with Biesmans off for Missipo. Belgium are on the attack as Dhont and Wullaert play a one two but it is well defended. Sweden have a good counter but Asllani’s shot is wide.
87 min: Bennison is given the ball in the box but she can’t quite control it. Asllani gets in a good position but she wastes the chance with a loose pass. Both sides are starting to tire but Sweden continue to pile on the pressure with another corner. Asllani takes but the leaping header from Eriksson goes out of play.
85 min: Bennison is a great shout at this stage, she was a late replacement against Switzerland and she scored the winner. Evrard sees the ball out but it is risky as Rolfo almost cuts out the clearance. The ball comes out to Rolfo on the edge of the box but it goes wide.
83 min: A great chance for Belgium as Dhont makes a good run but her shot hits the side netting. Biesmans is now down and receiving treatment. She is staying on and the break has given Sweden the opportunity to make a change as Bennison comes on for Angeldal.
81 min: Asllani takes the kick again but Evrard punches away. Sweden keep on knocking on the door but Belgium are like a well oiled machine. Nothing is getting past them. I called extra time and I think I may be right.
79 min: The frustration of this match comes through with Asllani shouting at Biesmans but Sweden do have a throw in. Belgium manage to clear the danger but Sweden are quick to regather. Asllani takes a shot but it’s blocked and we have another corner.
77 min: De Neve has blocked and we have the tenth Swedish corner. The set-piece hasn’t worked well for them so far can they change their fortunes? No they can’t as Nilden’s kick is taken by Bjorn but it goes wide.
75 min: Asllani does well to keep the ball alive as she is swarmed by Belgium’s defence but it is dealt with well. Belgium counter and De Caigny has a great opportunity but she takes a touch too much and the chance is wasted.
73 min: Wullaert gives away a free kick with a risky challenge. Asllani takes a great kick and Evrard comes to Belgium’s rescue as Blackstenius has a header. Cat like reflexes!
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71 min: Sweden have yet another corner, their ninth of the game, but the header doesn’t make contact. Bjorn keeps the ball alive but Asllani heads wide. Sweden have had 25 attempts this match and are yet to find a goal.
69 min: Dhont comes into the box but she is swarmed, Wullaert then sends the ball in but Lindahl collects. I feel this game could be headed to extra time.
67 min: Sweden play a great ball but Belgium manage to deal with it. Blackstenius wins another corner, surely the Swedish pressure will pay off soon? It comes in but it doesn’t reach Eriksson. Belgium make their first change as Dhont comes on for Deloose.
65 min: Check is over and no penalty is given. Bjorn had a great chance, right in front of goal but her shot goes over through a deflection. The corner comes in but it hits the side netting from Asllani.
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63 min: Asllani was down with what looked like a foot problem, she didn’t look too happy but she’s walking it off. Asllani has a shot into the box but it’s blocked and then Sweden protest for a handball, it hasn’t been given yet but VAR are checking. While we wait for the result of the check Angeldal has a shot which is saved by Evrard.
61 min: Rolfo has the ball on the edge of the area but the Belgium defence stick to her like glue, forcing her to pass away. Sweden lose it and Belgium come away with it but Wullaert’s pass has too much on it. Jeez Angeldal almost has one from distance but it is slightly over the bar! Malcolm has tweeted and said: “This match needs a goal! And should have had one.” The Blackstenius VAR call was a close one.
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59 min: Sweden are still creating things but they seem less aggressive as they were in the first half with a lot more errors in their play. De Caigny gets in a good position for Belgium but her pass is wasted in the final third.
57 min: Belgium wrestle it back and retain possession. Philtjens looks to feed the box but Sweden shut it down well. A cross from the resulting Swedish attack has too much on it but they come again but it is well blocked again! How long can this Belgium defence remain solid?
55 min: Belgium win a free kick from a foul just as Asllani looked to shoot, Vanhaevermaet was down but she is up and didn’t receive any treatment. They win another free kick higher up the pitch but Sweden have it back.
53 min: Lindahl reads a cross well as she comes out to collect and Sweden look to strike. Bjorn’s attempt is defended well and it is cleared.
51 min: Asllani can’t control it on the edge of the box but Belgium don’t clear it cleanly and Sweden come again. They win a corner, Nilden the taker, but Belgium block well. Belgium are well drilled in defence but they need more heat in their attack.
49 min: Belgium have their first chance of the second half but Philtjens heads wide. Sweden come forward once more and Blackstenius does well to keep the attacking ball alive. it comes to Asllani whose attempt rattles the woodwork but the offside flag is up regardless.
47 min: Sweden have the first chance of the half with the ball pinballing around but Belgium read it well to handle it. Asllani slices a great ball to Rolfo as Sweden come again but Evrard saves well.
Back underway! Sweden 0-0 Belgium
So can Sweden capitalise on their chances or will Belgium cause an upset? We will find out over the next 45.
Let me know how you’re finding the game or how you are spending this evening by Twitter or email! I’d love to hear from you.
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Half-time: Sweden 0-0 Belgium
Well after that 45 minutes Belgium will be the happier! Sweden had a lot of chances, even converting one which was overturned by VAR as they judged Blackstenius offside. When Belgium have had chances they look deadly but this quarter-final is still in the balance.
44 min: It is absolutely tipping it down at Leigh Sports Village! Probably not the weather they were anticipating for the fixture after Manchester presented 39 degree temperature earlier this week. Rolfo pops it up into the box but it has too much on it and Belgium can clear.
42 min: Blackstenius overruns a play, Belgium managing to deal with another Swedish threat. A defensive nervous moment for Sweden but Lindahl does manage to clear. Sweden don’t look 100% comfortable at the back when Belgium do present a challenge.
40 min: Deloose wins a Belgium corner, can the underdogs find a break through? De Neve takes it quickly and when it does dome into the box it’s punched away again. Sweden come away with it but they lose it in the midfield.
38 min: Blackstenius has a headed chance but Evrard collects easily. This time Belgium are the ones to test the keeper with Wullaert sending the ball in and Lindahl punches away.
36 min: Bjorn attemps a one-touch finish from outside the box but it sails over the bar. Sweden keep on pressing and Belgium have had to absorb a lot of pressure. Philtjens fouls, getting herself a yellow and giving away a free kick. Asllani takes and the ball comes in three times but it’s still kept out! Belgium doing just enough at the moment to keep the deadlock.
34 min: Asllani comes through and wins a corner which she takes herself. It’s punched away and Angeldal’s resulting shot is deflected out. The corner ball comes in again and Evrard does extremely well to keep Blackstenius out. Here they come again ...
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32 min: Oh my that was close for Belgium! A great ball comes thundering down the pitch for Wullaert who controls it well. She plays it to Vanhaevermaet but the shot goes wide. The closest attempt from Belgium so far. The counter is good from Sweden as they win a corner but it’s headed away.
30 min: This time it’s Sweden’s turn to roll it out of play. The goal being ruled out hasn’t dented Sweden’s fight but that could be a huge turning point if Belgium can turn up the heat here. But Sweden are the next to create something as Rolfo crosses but it goes out of play.
28 min: That was the closest offside call I have seen in a long while! I thought the Arsenal star had timed that perfectly. Belgium are looking to capitalise on this but a final pass has too much on it as it rolls out for a goal kick.
26 min: Cayman does well to stay on her feet and feed the box but Biesmans shot goes straight to Lindahl. Sweden counter and Blackstenius strikes to get past Evrard but has she? No! VAR rules it out for offside
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23 min: It is end to end stuff at the moment with Belgium shepherding the ball out of play for a goal kick. Biesmans looks to have earned another goal kick but the ref goes for a corner instead. It’s sent into the box but Bjorn’s shot is over the bar.
21 min: Lindahl is put under pressure by Wullaert and the keeper’s resulting clearance kick doesn’t go as far as she would like. But Belgium can’t capitalise on the position as it goes out for a goal kick.
19 min: Sweden’s passing in the final third is beautiful. One two passes and great communication sees them run rings around Belgium, just a goal missing from a great start. Angeldal tries another from outside the box but it goes wide. Sweden can’t underestimate Belgium though as Cayman is almost played through for a shot.
17 min: An obvious shirt pull from Biesmans sees her given a yellow and Sweden awarded a free kick. Asllani takes the kick but it’s dealt with and cleared by De Neve.
15 min: Oh my how have Sweden not scored there? Evrard made another cracking save from a Ilestedt header and the rebound can’t be converted by Blackstenius. Wow, so close!
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13 min: Sweden maintain their pressure with possession and it feels as though they will find a breakthrough goal soon. Biesmans cuts out the latest play but Sweden come once more.
11 min: Kaneryd tries to find Blackstenius but it is cut out, Sweden are shifting through the gears here and have all the pressure. The ball comes out for Angeldal but it sails over the bar.
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9 min: The ball pinballs around and Angeldal is on the edge of the box again, this time the shot goes wide. That was a few nervous moments for Belgium and they were saved by their keeper. Deloose wins a corner, De Neve the taker, but it is punched away and dealt with by Swedish defence.
6 min: Asllani gets a good touch to it but it’s well defended in the end by Belgium, who concede a corner. They play it short and run it round Belgian defence but a pass is loose and results in a goal kick. Sweden build again and Angeldal wallops the ball outside of the box but Evrard makes a cracking save! Corner to come.
4 min: Belgium are creating early pressure with a great ball spiralling into the box but Eriksson clears. Sweden are now in possession and have a throw in.
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2 min: Sweden win an early free kick from a handball but it’s on the halfway so they have to build from deep. They do manage to run it up to the box but Belgium clear.
Kick-off! Sweden 0-0 Belgium
Here we go! We’re underway in Manchester ...
The teams are out and the anthems will soon be in full flow! It may be raining at Leigh Sports Village but it hasn’t dampened the mood with fans in full voice.
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So how do you think the game will go? I think I’m leaning towards a Swedish win but it would be a great story if Belgium can do it! Get in touch and let me know.
More information on Andersson not being involved tonight, Sweden have confirmed she has tested positive for Covid.
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson told the BBC: “We have 20 players ready for the game. It’s not always a perfect world where you can select from all 23 players.”
Belgium are making history tonight as they play in their first major tournament quarter-final. They come up against Sweden, a tough opponent who has won this trophy before.
“We know today there is only one winner,” Belgium coach Ives Serneels told the BBC. “We are realistic that we are playing a very strong team.”
Who is excited for more football action? I am loving this tournament and I can’t believe we are over half way through it already. What has been your favourite moment?
Whoever wins this quarter-final will face England in the semi after Sarina Wiegman’s side defeated Spain on Wednesday. Sweden are using this as added motivation as their head coach Peter Gerhardsson wants to face the host nation.
He said: “I wasn’t thinking about England, only the game, but I did think to myself: ‘I would like to play this team and I would prefer to play them here in England’. But I’ll have to revisit that after Belgium.”
Read the full piece:
Our focus this evening is firmly on Sweden v Belgium but the Euro 2022 quarter-finals will conclude with a monster clash between France and the Netherlands. Defending champions the Netherlands have been handed a boost with star striker Vivianne Miedema returning from Covid while France will have to fight without Marie-Antoinette Katoto. The French star became the latest to rupture her ACL in their last match.
Read the full quarter-final preview here:
The temperature of this quarter is going to be lower than the two we have had so far with the heatwave passing.
Where I’m based in the south west it has been thundering and raining all day. It’s been quite comforting to have a British summer back.
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Get in touch, I would love to hear from you!
If you want to chat football, weather, TV or anything in between you can tweet me, @rendellx, or drop me an email.
So the team news, it’s here and there are changes for both teams.
Sweden have made two changes from their 5-0 win over Portugal with Nilden and Sembrant coming in with Glas testing positive and Andersson not returning to full training.
Sweden starting XI: Lindahl; Nilden, Eriksson, Sembrant, Ilestedt; Bjorn, Asllani, Angeldal; Rolfo, Blackstenius, Rytting Kaneryd
Belgium, meanwhile, have made three changes with De Neve, Deloose and Minnaert coming in.
Belgium starting XI: Everard; Philtjens, De Neve, Kees, Deloose; Minnaert, Vanhaevermaet, Biesmans; Wullaert, De Caigny, Cayman.
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Preamble
Welcome to the third Euro 2022 quarter-final and if tonight’s game is anything like the other quarters we have seen so far we are in for a treat!
England’s comeback against Spain had fans on the edge of their seats and Austria’s gutsy performance against Germany made for a thriller. Now we turn our attention to Sweden v Belgium.
There is a clear favourite in this match and it lies with Sweden. They were among the favourites to win the entire tournament ahead of it kicking off. While their performances haven’t reached the heights that were anticipated they have proven why they are a threat and Belgium will have to be on their A game to get past them.
Belgium are aware of the task ahead and are prepared for the match. “When you see the quality of each Sweden player it doesn’t change much, so for me it seems it will be the same,” Belgium coach Ives Serneels said.
“We are facing a fantastic European opponent. It won’t be easy, we are all aware of that, but it is a new phase of the competition. It is a one-off and tomorrow evening we will have a winner. That can be a positive for both teams.”
The team news has been announced ahead of tonight’s 8pm kick-off so stay tuned for updates ...
