The Netherlands' shaky defence cost them a spot in the summer's Olympics on Wednesday, with them letting a 1-0 lead slip against Sweden to allow the Scandinavians to steal their tickets to Rio in a 1-1 draw.

Sweden joined China and Australia in qualifying for the summer's event today, as the 12-team line-up for the women's football tournament was completed.

Switzerland, meanwhile, despite being out of contention to qualify as we entered round three, ensured they bowed out with at least some points on the board, beating Norway 2-1 in the night's other fixture.

Dutch devastated as chance goes begging

The hosts of this three-game tournament, the Netherlands went all out from the off on Wednesday night as they tried to pave an unlikely route to Rio - promising prospect Vivianne Miedema putting them 1-0 up after only five minutes.

With goal difference a factor, and both Sweden's and Norway's superior, it was important that the Dutch pushed on for more goals instead of protecting their lead, but that advantage was chalked off just before the break thanks to a defensive mix-up. This let in Olivia Schough, and she finished coolly to get the game back on level terms.

Schough could have added another in the second period, but for a brilliant point blank save from Sari van Veenendaal. However, in the end it did not matter as the point was enough to cement Sweden's place in Brazil this summer.

Sweden celebrate at full time, whilst the Dutch looked dejected. | Photo: Jonas Ekströmer
Sweden celebrate at full time, whilst the Dutch looked dejected. | Photo: Jonas Ekströmer

Switzerland sign off in style

The Swiss came into this fixture knowing that they could not qualify for the Olympics, but you would not have thought that the way they came out against Norway.

They did fall behind early on, with Caroline Graham Hansen dancing along the byline before deceiving the 'keeper at her near post brilliantly, but their response was super.

Chances came and went for both, with Ada Hegerberg coming close at one end before Ramona Bachmann rattled the crossbar, but the Swiss would bag the next goal as Sandrine Mauron's strike deflected in.

With the momentum behind them, they pushed for the win from there as Lara Dickenmann's bending effort hit the post. However, their lack of luck with the woodwork would not prove decisive in the end, as Rahel Kiwic stole the three points in stoppage time to ensure the Swiss bowed out with pride in tact.

For Norway, it's a big blow for their young and promising squad, who will all be keen to add to their success at club level with experience at international level. Instead, we will have to watch an Olympic tournament this summer without two of the game's most talented youngsters - Hansen and Hegerberg - as Sweden ready their suitcases.