Goalkeeper Stina Petersen saved two penalties as Denmark held hosts Sweden to a 1-1 draw in Gothenburg on the opening day of the UEFA Women’s European Championship on Wednesday.
Mariann Knudsen scored to give Denmark the lead midway into the first half of the Group A match, snapping up a loose ball before advancing and firing in a low shot.
Sweden equalized before halftime when defender Nilla Fischer flicked home a header after Denmark conceded a free-kick in the middle of the field.
Photo: AFP
With Denmark choosing to play free-flowing, passing soccer, Sweden dominated in the air and threatened regularly with set pieces.
The hosts had two chances to wrap up the game in the second half, but captain Lotta Schelin saw her penalty saved by Petersen after Kosovare Asllani was tripped in the box.
Asllani stepped up to take Sweden’s second spot-kick after Theresa Nielsen was penalized for a handball with five minutes to go, but her weak effort was also saved by Petersen.
Photo: AFP
Earlier in the day, Italy and Finland played out a 0-0 draw in the tournament’s opening game in the coastal town of Halmstad, Sweden.
Sweden are to face Finland in Gothenburg tomorrow evening, with Denmark set to take on Italy in Halmstad.
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