Germany reached the last eight of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a comfortable victory over Sweden.
They pretty much dominated the early proceedings before Anja Mittag gave them lead after 24 minutes, Celia Sasic added a second from the penalty spot in controversial circumstances. Lena Goessling and Alexandra Popp had good opportunities in the second period before Sasic added a third. Linda Sembrant started a mini surge for the Swedes but Dzsenifer Marozsan rounded off the tie with Germany's fourth.
Germany's quick fire double leaves Sweden rattled
It took 24 minutes for the Germans to take the lead, Mittag played a clever one-two with Sasic before she brilliantly curled her shot beyond the 'keeper and into the bottom corner.
Germany doubled their lead nine minutes before the break in controversial circumstances. The challenge that caused referee Ri Hyang Ok to point to the spot was debatable, but the decision stood and Sasic stepped up and coolly converted.
On the stroke of half-time Sweden had an excellent opportunity to get one back. Sofia Jakobsson climbed highest to a dangerous floating ball towards the back post, though she put the header agonisingly over the crossbar.
Germany continued their dominance into the second period and came very close to a third in the 64th minute. Goessling attempted a cheeky shot on goal, however Hedvig Lindhal did brilliantly to tip the effort onto the crossbar.
They went close again five minutes later when Leonie Maier managed to get a ball into the area which almost got a touch from Sasic. Instead it bounced kindly for Popp who put it back across the face of goal, but nobody was on hand to get a touch.
Sasic adds her second and Germany's third
In the 78th minute Germany rounded off the match with their third goal. Simone Laudher’s deflected shot bounced off the post and Sasic was alive to situation, managing to nod it in with ease.
Sweden managed to pull one back with nine minutes to play when a good ball into the area found Sembrant, who powerfully headed it into the bottom corner. It was almost two minutes later when Jakobsson managed to get shot off on goal, though it was straight into the body of Nadine Angerer.
Swedish fight-back quickly snuffed out
The late Swedish resurgence was extinguished three minutes from the end when Germany got their fourth. A short corner came to substitute Marozsan, who slid in and swept her shot over the head of Lindhal and into the net.
Germany will be happy with the result in what was a very comfortable game for them, and one in which they dominated proceedings. They will be frustrated that they shipped their second goal of the tournament but can relax ahead of their quarter-final tie.
Sweden were lucky to reach this stage of the competition, qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides. However, they didn’t take the opportunity here and were dominated from start to finish. There was a mini resurgence towards the end but it was too little too late by that point.