New signing Amanda Ilestedt is now the World Cup’s leading goalscorer after adding two more to her tally during Sweden’s 5-0 thrashing of Italy.
Our centre-back produced two impeccable headers, rising high to meet a Jonna Anderson corner on both occasions.
After weathering an early spell of attacking dominance from the promising Italian side, Ilestedt opened the scoring in the 39th minute and paved the way for a flurry of Swedish goals before half-time.
Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo then doubled their advantage before our own Stina Blackstenius made it 3-0 in stoppage time. Some neat interplay at the edge of the area led to Blackstenius pouncing on the ball at the back post and converting with ease.
Despite a healthy lead, the Swedes showed no sign of stopping in the second half. Ilestedt demonstrated her set-piece potency again in the 50th minute after yet another Swedish corner - this was her third goal in two games after getting the vital last-minute winner in their opener against South Africa.
The statement win against the Italians means that Sweden have already secured their place in the tournament’s round of 16 with one more group G game to play.
They face Argentina on August 2 before the knockout stages begin next weekend.
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