Sweden beat Denmark in Euro 2025 opener

Emma Smith
BBC Sport journalist

Sweden got their European Championship campaign off to a winning start as midfielder Filippa Angeldahl struck the only goal against Denmark in Geneva.

Angeldahl had the best chances at the start and end of the first half - a shot from 12 yards was deflected wide after two minutes, then a free-kick spectacularly clawed out by Denmark keeper Maja Ostergaard shortly before the break.

But Angeldahl's persistence paid off in the 55th minute as she exchanged a one-two with captain Kosovare Asllani before finishing into the far corner.

Denmark thought they had a penalty early in the opening period when Swedish defender Madelen Janogy handled in the area, But after a lengthy check by the video assistant referee (VAR), it was ruled Janogy was fouled before the handball.

They came close to an equaliser when Pernille Harder struck the crossbar, but were largely outmatched by their Scandinavian rivals, who nearly scored a second when Stina Blackstenius had a shot cleared off the line.

Denmark manager Andree Jeglertz - who will become Manchester City boss after Euro 2025 - has plenty of work to do if his side are to progress from Group C.

What was the main talking point?

By and large in the early stages of this tournament, the officiating has been good and VAR checks have been swift - but here there was a delay of four and a half minutes early on for a contentious call.

It looked like Denmark would be awarded a spot-kick when Janogy handled the ball, denying their captain Harder a shot at goal.

Brazilian referee Edina Alves was called to the VAR screen - but in a rare event, she stuck by her original decision, ruling that Janogy had been tripped by Danish defender Stine Ballisager earlier in the move.

In truth, Denmark could have no complaints about this defeat in a match where they struggled to create chances and toiled in near 30C heat.

Which players stood out?

Sweden possess a wealth of attacking riches, including Arsenal striker Blackstenius - who scored the winner in the Champions League final - and Chelsea's WSL-winning winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

For a while in Geneva, they failed to create clear openings. Blackstenius had 12 first-half touches, the fewest of all outfield players.

But it was the most experienced of those attackers in Asllani - who helped London City Lionesses to Championship promotion this season - who made the difference.

At 35, this may be Asllani's final major tournament, and she proved she still has the quality with a beautiful return to pass to set up Angeldahl for the winner.

The standout stat

Karen Holmgaard of Denmark and Filippa Angeldal of Sweden look at a loose ballGetty Images

Denmark were beaten 6-1 by Sweden when they met last month in the Nations League

Angeldahl has now scored in each of Euro 2022, the 2023 World Cup and Euro 2025 - only one of two players to do so, alongside Esther Gonzalez of Spain.

What next for these sides?

Denmark next take on Germany in Group C, their match at St Jakob Park in Basel kicking off at 17.00 BST on Tuesday 8 July. Sweden face Poland the same day at 20.00 BST in Lucerne.

Player of the match

F. Angeldahl
6.95
11 K. Veje
5.95
10 P. Harder
5.89
18 S. Holmgaard
5.70
1 M. Østergaard
5.68
4 E. Færge
5.60
6 K. Holmgaard
5.48
3 S. Ballisager
5.35
8 E. Snerle
5.33
15 F. Thøgersen
5.25
19 J. Thomsen
5.05
21 A. Vangsgaard
4.72
9 N. Nadim
4.40
20 S. Bruun
4.17
7 S. Troelsgaard
4.10
13 J. Hasbo
4.08
Back to team tabs

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

Related topics

More on this story