Sweden held by injury-struck Netherlands in exciting stalemate | OneFootball

The Netherlands had to come from behind to pull off an entertaining end-to-end draw with Sweden after losing two key players to injury in the first half.

Scorers: Roord 52′; Andersson 35′

Sweden started on the front foot, applying pressure to the Dutch back line and a wicked inswinging free-kick led to a three-way collision in the Netherlands defence, including Sari van Veenendaal.

The experienced goalkeeper attempted to solider on but was forced to leave the field through injury to be replaced by Daphne van Domselaar on what would be only her second cap.

Sweden continued with their pressure, catching the Dutch in possession and proving threatening in transition before taking a deserved lead ten minutes before the break.

Cutting inside and out Kosovare Asllani nutmegged her defender before setting up Jonna Andersson six yards from goal to give Sweden the lead.

Daniëlle van de Donk would spurn the best Dutch chance of the first half before Aniek Nouwen was withdrawn with an ankle injury.

The second period was far more even with Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema growing in stature and influence.

The 25-year-old’s attempted through ball was cut out but it fell kindly to Jill Roord whose snapshot on the turn left Hedvig Lindahl with little chance on the Swedish net.

Both sides would have their chances as Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd tested van Domselaar from range but, in the end, two of the tournament’s favourites had to share the points.