In Matchday 3 action from Group E, Sweden tied China 0-0 on Tuesday night as both teams advance to quarterfinals.
The game got off to a fast start with a high tempo and a flurry of activity on both ends of the field. In the opening fifteen minutes, a few chaotic sequences and scrambles in the penalty areas of both teams led to half-chances that weren’t capitalized on.
However, after the first fifteen minutes, no scoring chances were created by either side. Chinese goalie Lina Zhao and Swedish goalie Hedvig Lindahl weren’t tested at all. After a first half with predominantly very little action and an even 50/50 split of possession, the halftime scoreline was 0-0.
The second half was not much different than the first. With both teams knowing that they advance to the quarterfinals if they tie, the play from both sides was very conservative. The remainder of the match was a midfield battle where attacking with any enthusiasm was more or less non-existent.
The game ended in a 0-0 stalemate and both teams advance to the next stage of the tournament. Since China finishes second in Group E, it will take on Germany, the Group F runner-up. Sweden, the third place finisher in Group E, will duel with the United States, the Group G winner.
The other matchups are: Brazil vs. Australia and Canada vs. France.