Blackstenius lifts Sweden past PNG

Star striker Stina Blackstenius scored four goals as Sweden collected a 6-0 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, ending the host nation’s hopes at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Sweden now face a winner-takes-all meeting with Brazil in the final Group A match with this result also guaranteeing Korea DPR’s progression.

The recurring theme of this match was Sweden looking to find their powerful No9 at every opportunity. Long balls and angled passes were a constant threat, as the forward looked to run off the shoulder. Blackstenius scored twice in each half, while substitute Johanna Kaneryd and Anna Anvegard also got on the scoresheet in the latter stages.

Blackstenius also hit the crossbar, leaving her short of the individual match goalscoring record of five.

Papua New Guinea were much improved on the 9-0 loss to Brazil, and they played with confidence, stringing several passing movements together to the delight of an animated crowd. Indeed, it took Sweden until the 72nd minute to score their fourth, which contrasted with Brazil leading 6-0 at half-time in PNG’s opener.

There was even a dipping long-range shot in injury time from PNG midfielder Ramona Padio which just cleared the crossbar.

source: story/photo:  fifa.com