Denmark v Sweden Match Report

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 — Group C

Denmark 0–1 Sweden

Stade de Genève, Carouge, Switzerland

4 July 2025 – 5pm BST Kick-Off

Sweden edged past Denmark in a tightly contested Group C opener in Geneva, with Filippa Angeldahl’s second-half strike proving the difference in a game defined by fine margins and high intensity.

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Team News

Denmark set up in a bold 3-5-2 formation, with Maja Bay Østergaard between the posts and a back three of Emma Skou Færge, Stine Ballisager Pedersen, and Katrine Veje. Wing-backs Sarah Holmgaard and Frederikke Thørgersen were tasked with providing width, while Karen Holmgaard and Emma Snerle anchored the midfield alongside Utah Royals’ Janni Thomsen. Captain Pernille Harder partnered Amalie Vangsgaard up front in a side designed to press and counter quickly.

Sweden, meanwhile, opted for a familiar 4-3-3. Jennifer Falk started in goal, shielded by a back four of Jonna Andersson, Linda Sembrant, Nathalie Björn, and Hanna Lundkvist. The midfield trio of Filippa Angeldahl, Julia Zigiotti Olme, and captain Kosovare Asllani supported a dynamic front three of Madelen Janogy, Stina Blackstenius, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

Denmark came into the match not only looking to begin their campaign on a high, but also seeking redemption following a heavy 6–1 defeat to Sweden in their last encounter. For Sweden, the aim was to build on that momentum and lay down an early marker in Group C.

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First Half

The match got off to a lively start with both teams showing early attacking intent. Sweden had the first real opportunity just two minutes in, when Rytting Kaneryd dazzled with skill down the right and cut the ball back dangerously, forcing Stine Ballisager Pedersen into a vital block to keep the scores level. Denmark responded quickly with a free kick after Harder was brought down just inside the Swedish half, but Falk was equal to it.

Drama followed in the 11th minute when VAR checked for a possible handball by Janogy during that Danish free kick. After a brief on-field review, the referee stuck with her original decision of no penalty, and play continued. It was a let-off for Sweden, but both sides remained aggressive and evenly matched in a frantic opening quarter of an hour.

Sweden looked particularly dangerous down the right flank, with Kaneryd repeatedly finding space. On 17 minutes, a clever ball over the top from Lundkvist sent her away again — she picked out Blackstenius with a low cut-back, but Færge got across brilliantly to make a crucial block. Denmark responded with a promising spell of their own. Thomsen’s run down the right forced a corner, while a well-struck Snerle free kick was punched away confidently by Falk.

As the half wore on, both teams created half-chances, but the final ball continued to elude them. Björn came close in the 34th minute, latching onto a loose ball from a corner and curling just wide of Østergaard’s right-hand post. Denmark nearly punished Sweden moments later, as Harder received the ball on the turn and surged forward before sending a fierce strike just over from the edge of the box.

Sweden began to take more control of the ball in the closing stages of the half, but Denmark’s defence held firm and looked threatening on the counter. Just before the break, a golden opportunity fell to Sweden after Veje brought down Asllani on the edge of the box. Angeldahl stepped up and struck the free kick with power and precision, only to be denied by a stunning one-handed save from Østergaard — the first shot on target of the match and arguably the highlight of the half.

Seven minutes of stoppage time were added, but neither side could break the deadlock.

Half-Time: Denmark 0–0 Sweden

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Second Half

Sweden came out with real purpose after the break. Rytting Kaneryd continued to be a menace down the right, setting up a chance for Angeldahl, whose shot was blocked. But it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken.

The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute — and it was worth the wait. Filippa Angeldahl drove forward purposefully, exchanged a slick one-two with captain Asllani on the edge of the box, and unleashed a precise, low strike across goal that flew into the bottom corner. It left Østergaard rooted and gave Sweden a deserved lead after mounting pressure.

Denmark nearly hit back immediately. Snerle found space in the box, but Björn made a goal-saving block on the line. Minutes later, Blackstenius had a chance to double the lead, only to be denied by a heroic block from the Danish defence.

Denmark made changes to shift momentum, introducing Signe Bruun and Josefine Hasbo. Sweden also refreshed their attack, with Blomqvist and Holmberg replacing Janogy and Lundkvist. Despite the adjustments, Sweden began to assert control, dominating possession and forcing Denmark deeper into their own half, while continuing to create chances.

Harder came agonisingly close to levelling the match in the 80th minute. Played in by Thørgersen, she cut inside and unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that smashed against the post. She had another chance late on from a corner, but substitute Lina Hurtig did just enough to block the effort.

With nine minutes added, Denmark threw everything forward. Harder had one final opportunity with a header that sailed over the bar, and a last-minute free kick was over-hit, ending Denmark’s hopes of a late equaliser.

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Full-Time: Denmark 0–1 Sweden

Sweden’s composure in key moments proved decisive, with Angeldahl’s strike enough to secure all three points and a strong start to their Euro 2025 campaign. Denmark showed flashes of promise and will take heart from a spirited performance, but they’ll need to be more clinical going forward.

Next up, Denmark face Germany in what already feels like a must-win fixture, while Sweden will look to build on this result against Poland. Matchday 2 takes place on Tuesday, 8 July.