Sweden sets up USWNT showdown at World Cup with easy win

HAMILTON, New Zealand — Sweden it is.

Rebecka Blomqvist’s second-half goal lifted Sweden to a 2-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday to advance the Blagult to a round-of-16 showdown with the United States in the Women’s World Cup.

Argentina was eliminated from the tournament.

Sweden has had success against the USWNT in the past, beating the Americans 3-0 in the opening match of the 2020 Olympics in Japan.

Neither side looked close to scoring for much of the match until Blomqvist broke the deadlock with a headed goal at the 66th-minute mark to help the blue and yellow finish 3-0 and win Group G.

Sweden, which rested nine starters to open the match, threatened at times in the first half.

A combination of disjointed play and fouls prevented Sweden from taking early control of the game.

“We had good patience today,” Blomqvist said. “We felt that of course we want to score goals and we want to create chances. I think we also felt that the chances will come, and when they came, we have to be ready and not be frustrated.”

Sweden finished Group G play undefeated, outscoring opponents — which also included Italy and South Africa — 9-1.

Meanwhile, the USWNT struggled through the preliminary round, advancing as runner-ups to the Netherlands in Group E.

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Women’s World Cup including schedule, scores and news

The U.S. beat Vietnam, 3-0, before draws against the Netherlands and Portugal.

The game in Melbourne is Sunday at 5 a.m. EST.

— With AP