Argentina vs. Sweden highlights: Sweden wins Group G, will face USA
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup continued Wednesday, with Sweden (3-0-0) defeating Argentina (0-1-2), 2-0, in each team's final Group G match at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.
With the win, Sweden officially won Group G to set up a date with the United States in the Round of 16 on Sunday (coverage begins at 4 a.m., ET, with kickoff at 5 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
As for Argentina, its World Cup run came to an end, as it needed a win on Wednesday to help advance.
Both of Sweden's goals came in the second half, as it opted to rest many of its starters in preparation for the knockout stage. Sweden made nine changes in its starting lineup for Wednesday's match. Rebecka Blomqvist scored on a header in the 66th minute, while Elin Rubensson converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute.
Here are the highlights!
90': Sweden gets a PK and a goal
Sweden put a dagger in Argentina's hopes of advancing in the final minutes. Gabriela Chávez was called for a penalty while trying to compete for the ball on a Sweden cross, bringing down a Swedish player.
Elin Rubensson swiftly converted the penalty kick, going top left to put Sweden up 2-0.
87': Going all out
Argentina's back-line made sure Sweden wasn't going to get its second goal of the match on a through ball in the box.
82': Argentina is still alive, but needs a pair of goals
Italy evened its match against South Africa in the 74th minute. A draw in that match is just half of the equation Argentina needs in order to advance, as it also needs to win. If Argentina is able to score two goals in the final minutes of this match and the result holds in the Italy-South Africa match, Argentina will advance.
66': Sweden goes up 1-0
Sofia Jakobsson found Rebecka Blomqvist on a cross right in front of the net with Blomqvist heading the ball into the net to give Sweden a 1-0 lead.
If the result holds, Sweden will win Group G (though that was looking likely regardless) and Argentina would be eliminated. Argentina must score at least two goals the rest of the way and hope Italy evens up its match against South Africa after the latter took lead in the 67th minute.
56': Argentina going for it
The Argentinians were still playing ambitiously trying to get their first goal, with Estefanía Banini taking a strike from outside the box in the 56th minute.
HALFTIME: Match in a scoreless tie
Both teams were ambitious in the first half, but neither were able to capitalize on any opportunities. If the results hold, Sweden will win Group G and Argentina will be eliminated. However, if Argentina is able to get a lead and the Italy-South Africa match remains tied, the Argentinians will move on to the round 16.
38': Argentina suffers injury
Florencia Bonsegundo needed to be carted off late in the first half, causing Argentina to use an early sub.
29': Sweden on the attack
The Swedes are looking to get the first goal of the match, but have been unsuccessful, with Olivia Schough's header in the 29th minute going wide.
19': Sweden's free kick stopped
The Swedes have used set pieces to their advantage so far in this tournament. But one of their prime opportunities early on was denied when Vanina Correa saved Olivia Schough's shot.
15': Ambitious shot from Argentina
The Argentinians fired multiple shots from outside the box early on, but weren't able to get anything out of them. Estefanía Banini's shot in the 15th minute sailed over the net.
7': Physical early
Both squads have been chippy in the opening minutes of the match, recording a combined four fouls in the first seven minutes.
PREGAME
Emotions running high
Multiple Argentina players held back tears during the national anthem.
Setting the stage
The "World Cup NOW" crew previewed the match live on social media ahead of kickoff.
Starting lineups
The Swedes have made several switches to their lineup, making nine changes in their group stage finale. Sweden can lose Wednesday's match and still win Group G due to its large lead in goal differential
[Related: Why USA could be at physical disadvantage vs. Sweden in round of 16]
Check out the full Women's World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.