Sweden's women's national football team led 1-0 but ultimately lost 1-2 to Denmark in the World Cup qualifier at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg. Monica Jusu Bah scored her first international goal early on, but Pernille Harder equalized and Janni Thomsen decided the match in added time. The young Swedish backline faced criticism but was defended by head coach Tony Gustavsson.
Sweden dominated the early stages of the World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Tuesday evening in Gothenburg. Felicia Schröder hit the post twice early, and in the eighth minute Monica Jusu Bah made it 1-0 with a heel flick from Schröder on a pass from Smilla Holmberg. It was Jusu Bah's first international goal. Stina Blackstenius later headed against the post.
After half an hour, Pernille Harder equalized 1-1 as Elma Junttila Nelhage failed to keep up with Cecilie Fløe. The 22-year-old Lyon defender was self-critical afterwards: "I made a far too weak performance." In the second half, Harder was forced off after a collision with Julia Zigiotti Olme.
In added time, Janni Thomsen scored 2-1 for Denmark following a mistake by 19-year-old Bella Andersson. The Swedish three-back line – Elma Junttila Nelhage (sixth cap), Bella Andersson (third), and debutant Sofia Reidy – had a combined total of nine international appearances. Tony Gustavsson took responsibility: "Football is decided in small decisive moments. It's better that I take it on."
Monica Jusu Bah called the result "so fucking unfair." Denmark now tops Group A1 with seven points, ahead of Sweden and Italy on four. Sweden's next match is against Serbia on April 18 in Stockholm.
