Sweden defeated Argentina to make it three victories in a row at the Women's World Cup, securing first place in Group G and a tantalizing matchup with the USA in the last 16.
Sweden made nine substitutions in Hamilton and lacked the team synergy of their first two games, but they still had too much for their opponents despite having a first-place finish all but guaranteed due to a much superior goal differential.
Rebecka Blomqvist found space in the box to head Sofia Jakobsson's cross in from close range, demonstrating Sweden's superior talent after an hour of tough competition.
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After Blomqvist was fouled in the box while Argentina attempted to defend a free-kick, Elin Rubensson calmly converted a late penalty to put the outcome beyond question.
Argentina leaves the competition having earned one point and placed last in their group.
Although they fought valiantly, they were unable to damage the Swedes and achieve what would have been a remarkable double at a World Cup finals—a first-round victory and advancement.
In a thrilling match in Wellington, South Africa defeated Italy 3-2 to join the Swedes in the round of 16.
Sweden has appeared to be every bit a team eager to perform even better in this World Cup after they reached the final four of the 2022 European Championship despite being hindered by injuries and the coronavirus.
They have advanced to the fourth round in five of the last six major tournaments, and they have had some chastening recent near-misses, none more so than their shootout agony in the Tokyo Olympics final.
After defeating South Africa and putting five past Italy in their first two games, Peter Gerhardsson showed the depth of his team's talent and the confidence that was spreading through it by making significant adjustments while maintaining structure and coherence.
With some intense pressing and aggressive tackling, Argentina—who was in the tournament's last-chance saloon—made things difficult for the third-place team, but goalkeeper Jennifer Falk had nothing to do.
German Portanova's side were also hampered by the loss of Real Madrid midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo, who left the field on a stretcher and in tears after suffering an injury in the first half.
Sweden struggled to show a cutting edge themselves for just over an hour, with Olivia Schough's off-target header the best effort fashioned by either side.
But when their big chance came they took it as Blomqvist charged in unmarked to nod home Jakobsson's whipped delivery.
Blomqvist was again a handful late on as Gabriela Chavez held her in the box as a free-kick was sent in, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Rubensson did the rest with aplomb, calmly and clinically despatching the penalty.
Sweden will need such qualities and more in Melbourne on Sunday when they take on four-time winners and reigning champions the USA in the first knockout round.
The Americans have been far from their scintillating best so far in this tournament, but they remain packed with talent and, as they have shown in the previous two World Cups, know how to get the job done.
In all, the USA and Sweden will face off at the finals for the seventh time overall and for the sixth time in the last seven World Cups, dating back to each team's first match at FIFA's inaugural tournament in China in 1991.
The Americans have come out on top in four of their prior World Cup matchups and 23 of their 42 combined games.
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