Heartbreak for Ireland as Sweden score late winner in Euro qualifier

PA Sport Reporters

Magdalena Eriksson struck six minutes from time to earn Sweden a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland who still remain without a point in Euro 2025 Qualifying.

Sweden had chances to make their breakthrough in the first half courtesy of Fridolina Rolfo but earned their second win in four days over Ireland as Eriksson broke Irish hearts in Stockholm.

The Republic have failed to score in group A3 so far and relegation back to League B is looming for Eileen Gleeson’s side.

They nearly fell behind when goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was closed down by Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani but her clearance was blocked behind for a goal-kick which could have easily ended up in the back of the net.

Sweden started to build pressure and had the first proper opening as Johanna Kaneryd’s dangerous cross found the head of Rolfo but she nodded narrowly over the bar.

Following a free-kick just before the half-hour mark which was punched out by Brosnan, the ball fell to Asllani who teed up Rolfo to thump a shot on target but the Ireland stopper was on hand to palm it out for a corner.

Sweden continued to dominate proceedings following the break but Ireland stood strong in defence, with Aoife Mannion’s attempted defensive clearance hitting Rolfo before Brosnan denied once again.

In the 84th minute, Sweden finally had their deserved breakthrough when Jonna Andersson’s corner was nudged into the net off Eriksson’s back as Ireland’s stubborn resistance was broken.

Ireland’s first shot on target came at the death and they almost nicked an equaliser when Amber Barrett cut in and unleashed an effort towards goal but Zercia Musovic saved to give Sweden the points.