Denmark withstands intense pressure to secure first victory in Sweden for 11 years via dramatic late goal

The Danish womens team spent much of the game under severe pressure, to say the least, yet Swedish wastefulness and a touch of fortune allowed the away side to snatch all three points from Sweden during Tuesdays World Cup qualifier.

The hosts generated numerous opportunities but often failed to deliver the decisive finish despite their control. This proved expensive as Denmark netted from their sole second half attack.

Following an early strike from Monica Jusu Bah for the home team, Pernille Harder levelled the score around the half hour mark, and deep into added time, Janni Thomsen clinched an unexpected road triumph on a swift break.

This marks the first instance in nearly a decade that Denmark has overcome Sweden in a qualification fixture for a major tournament.

In 2023, Sweden triumphed over Denmark on three occasions. The previous Danish success came during the Euro 2017 qualifying in September 2016 against a Swedish outfit that had already topped their group then.

The victory propels Denmark to the top of their World Cup qualifying group with seven points. Sweden sits on four points, matched by Italy after their 6-0 thrashing of Serbia on Tuesday.

From the opening whistle in Gothenburg, Denmark found themselves pinned back, with the Swedes striking the upright inside the first minute. A relentless Swedish onslaught targeted the Danish net, making a goal seem inevitable.

Eight minutes in, the Swedes easily penetrated the Danish penalty area, and after a low cross, Jusu Bah tapped in from near point blank range.

The hosts then eased off slightly, giving the Danes some respite. Still, Sweden continued to carve out chances with ease. Yet key moments went unconverted, which backfired after 30 minutes when play switched ends.

Cecilie Floe of Napoli advanced down the right flank into the box and crossed for Pernille Harder, who curled an inside foot shot to equalise just before the break.

In the second period, Denmark barely escaped their own half amid the fierce Swedish assault, and matters worsened when skipper Pernille Harder exited after 60 minutes due to a head clash.

Nevertheless, in a shocking twist against the flow, the Danish outfit grabbed the winner in stoppage time as Janni Thomsen chipped the ball over the onrushing Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk for a improbable 2-1 success.