The round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup has already seen no shortage of drama. Australia crashed out of the tournament against Norway as Sam Kerr missed on her penalty kick, VAR reared its controversial head in the England vs. Cameroon match, and the host’s captain, Amandine Henry, scored a goal in extra time to lead France to victory over Brazil. This Sweden vs. Canada match continued that trend. Sweden defeated Canada 1-0 in a defensively stout match at Parc des Princes in Paris, as only Stina Blackstenius’ first career World Cup goal could separate the sides. This tactical analysis will explain how the Blågult overcame the Canadians preemptive attacks and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Lineups
Sweden’s manager Peter Gerhardsson returned his squad to the projected eleven heading into the tournament. Hanna Glas, Nilla Fischer, and Magdalena Eriksson returned to the back line next to Linda Sembrant after beginning on the bench against the United States in round three of the group stage. Elin Rubensson and Fridolina Rolfö also returned to the starting lineup. The core four of captain Caroline Seger, Sofia Jakobsson, Kosovare Asllani, and Stina Blackstenius continued in their preferred positions.
Canada lined up in manager Kenneth Heiner-Mollers preferred 4-4-2 with the same starting eleven from the first group stage match against Cameroon, in which Canada won 1-0. Centre-backs Kadeisha Buchanan and Shelina Zadorsky have been critical to Canada’s defensive success this World Cup, allowing only two goals, both from the Netherlands, in the group stage. Desiree Scott and Sophie Schmidt were deployed as the central midfielders, with Janine Beckie and Nichelle Prince out wide. Strikers Jessie Fleming and Christine Sinclair make for a formidable front two, as both are capable of dropping back to receive the ball or push forward with ease.
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