FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: How Sweden are obliterating opponents with corners – set-piece analysis

Sweden have begun the Womens World Cup in a dominant fashion in their opening two fixtures, with a 2-1 victory over South Africa, including a late winner from a corner kick. The side, led by Peter Gerhardsson from the sidelines, has adapted their corner routine to make the most of Arsenals Amanda Illestedt. In the second fixture, Sweden demolished Italy 5-0, with three near-identical goals coming from Jonna Andersons inswinging corners, where Illestedt managed to score a brace and is currently the joint-second top scorer. AC Milans Kosovare Asllani has taken the inswinging corners from the left-hand side. However, no one can match Andersons technique and consistency regarding dead-ball deliveries, meaning they are likelier to score from the right.

In this??tactical analysis, we will look into the tactics behind Swedens corner routines, with an in-depth analysis of how their strategy of floating the ball inside the six-yard box has been successful. This set-piece analysis will examine why this method has been effective and how opposition teams can adjust defensively against it in the latter stages of the World Cup.

Swedens Inevitable Routine

Swedens source of goal from corners has arrived through their intent to crowd the six-yard box, from where any flick on towards goal is likely to result in a goal, with the goalkeeper having no time to react to the shots. From corners, Illestedt is the primary target, who starts off inside the goal or by the post before attempting to ghost into the green target area pictured below.

Barcelonas Fridolina Rolfo attacks the near-side of the six-yard box to ensure that no one can clear it should the corner be under it. We can then see an attacker move towards the goalkeeper whilst two attackers begin in the six-yard box to crowd it and disperse to prepare for any flicks or rebounds.

The common understanding is that Sweden have used inswinging corners most of the time. However, the unique part of Swedens corner game which has been underappreciated is their use of floated corners into the near side of the six-yard box.

While the ball is still inswinging, what separates Sweden fr