Sweden Triumphs 3-0 Over Ireland in Euro 2025 Qualifier

Sweden's women's national team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Ireland in a Euro 2025 Group A3 qualifier match held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday, May 31, 2024. The win was fueled by two goals from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and one from Fridolina Rolfo.

The match saw Ireland suffer their third consecutive defeat in the Euro 2025 qualifiers. Despite playing some promising football, Ireland could not capitalize on their opportunities. This defeat leaves Ireland without a point in the group and still searching for their first goal of the year.

Sweden, ranked 6th in the world, took the lead in the 26th minute when Kaneryd finished superbly after rapid Swedish movement. Ireland's Amber Barrett had the best chance for her team just before halftime but headed over from six yards.

In the second half, Sweden exerted more control. Fridolina Rolfo, fresh from winning the Champions League with Barcelona, doubled the lead with a brilliant curled effort in the 66th minute. Kaneryd sealed the win with her second goal in the 86th minute, finishing via the crossbar after a good save from Courtney Brosnan.

The match was attended by over 22,000 spectators. Ireland's manager, Eileen Gleeson, made a tactical switch to a front two, with Amber Barrett joining Kyra Carusa up top. Despite these adjustments, Ireland could not find the back of the net.

Ireland's hopes of automatic qualification are now slim, but they have a guaranteed play-off spot regardless of the outcome in the four-team group. The team will have little time to rest as they are set to head to Solna to face Sweden again on Tuesday.

Sweden's victory moves them to second place in the group, trailing leaders France on goal difference. France has 9 points from three games, followed by Sweden and then England with 4 points. Ireland remains at the bottom of the group without a point.

Despite the loss, Ireland's performance showed promise. Lily Agg, Megan Connolly, and Jessie Stapleton controlled the midfield, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Ireland's inability to convert these chances into goals proved costly.

Ireland's manager, Eileen Gleeson, will need to address these issues quickly as they prepare for the return game in Solna. The absence of key players like Denise O'Sullivan and Ruesha Littlejohn as a result of injuries has been a significant blow to the team.

With the Euro 2025 qualifiers progress, Ireland will be looking to turn their fortunes around and secure a place in the finals. The upcoming match against Sweden will be pivotal in determining their path forward.

Key Takeaways

• Sweden's women's national team defeats Ireland 3-0 in Euro 2025 qualifier.
• Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scores 2 goals, Fridolina Rolfo scores 1.
• Ireland suffers 3rd consecutive defeat, remains without a point in Group A3.
• Sweden moves to 2nd place in group, trailing leaders France on goal difference.
• Ireland guaranteed play-off spot, faces Sweden again on Tuesday in Solna.