Sweden fought back and struck late on to grab a 2-1 win over South Africa in their Women’s World Cup opener on Sunday in the Wellington rain.
The third-ranked Swedes conjured up the winner in the 90th minute through defender Amanda Ilestedt, much to the relief of their fans in the miserable conditions.
NETBALL WORLD CUP | Watch the Origin Diamonds’ opening match vs. Zimbabwe Friday 28 July at 7PM AEST FREE & LIVE on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >
A goal early in the second half by Hildah Magaia — in which she suffered a match-ending injury — gave the African champions hope of an upset.
But that was cancelled out by Barcelona star Fridolina Rolfo soon afterwards, before Ilestedt’s late intervention, heading home from close range. It denied South Africa a first point ever at the World Cup.
Sweden dominated possession but seemed thrown by the cold, slippery conditions, along with energetic defending from their lower-ranked opponents.
The Swedes, regarded as one of the tournament favourites but with a history of near-misses at the World Cup, delivered a host of wayward crosses in the first half.
They also looked prone to being caught out by the speed of their opponents.
Both teams barely created a half-chance before the interval but the game burst into life soon afterwards.
MORE COVERAGE
WWC Wrap: 89th min chaos saves Denmark; VAR spares England’s blushes against minnows
‘Did you get a good laugh?’: Ange furious as German journo pulls off bizarre Harry Kane stunt
US goes into meltdown over Messi’s absurd debut winner that left Beckham in tears
South Africa’s 48th-minute goal was set up Thembi Kgatlana, whose speed got behind the defence before her cross was parried by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
It was bundled in by Magaia, who was tripped at full speed in the process by Jonna Andersson and tumbled into the goal netting.
The 28-year-old Korean-based striker was treated for several minutes and exited the game soon afterwards, receiving a standing ovation from South African supporters during a distraught circuit of the field.
Rolfo’s 65th-minute equaliser was a messy one, scuffing her shot after South Africa failed to clear a Johanna Kaneryd cross.
The shot struck defender Lebohang Ramalepe, who was initially credited with an own goal but it was later awarded to Rolfo — her 26th goal for her country.
Ilestedt, who was a constant aerial threat, then leapt highest at a corner to bring heartache for South Africa, who lost all three matches in their maiden World Cup appearance four years ago.
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SCHEDULE (Sunday July 23)
Group G: Sweden 2-1 South Africa
Group E: Netherlands vs Portugal, Dunedin Stadium, 5:30pm AEST – LIVE
Group F: France vs Jamaica, Sydney Football Stadium, 8pm AEST – LIVE
‘COMPLETELY OUT OF LINE’: JOURNO SAVAGED FOR ‘ENDANGERING PLAYERS’ WITH QUESTION
A World Cup reporter has been blasted for putting Moroccan players in danger with a question during a press conference on Sunday.
Morocco, the first Arab country to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, faces Germany in its opening match on Monday night at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
But ahead of the contest, one journalist – said to be representing the BBC – asked captain Ghizlane Chebbak whether any players in the squad were gay.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Morocco meaning answering the question could have placed players in personal danger upon their return home.
A FIFA official shut down the question after it was asked.
“I was at this press conference. The reporter was completely out of line,” reporter Shireen Ahmed said.
“Harm reduction matters and posing the question to the captain or coach was unnecessary. The question was waved off by a FIFA media officer moderating but it shouldn’t have been asked.
Meanwhile The Athletic’s Steph Yang said: “From a harm reduction perspective, this is not an appropriate question for a player and would have endangered the players themselves.”
England produce scrappy win to begin WC | 00:34