TOKYO – Anna Anvegard and Madelen Janogy scored a goal each Tuesday to help Sweden finish Group G with a perfect record after a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in the women’s Olympic soccer competition.
Anvegard headed in the opening goal in the 17th minute and Janogy knocked in the other in the 30th.
Sweden is looking to reach its second straight Olympic final after losing to Germany in the gold medal match at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
The Swedes finished five points ahead of the United States and Australia, who drew 0-0 in the other group game. New Zealand was eliminated.
The United States women’s soccer team was less than convincing in their goalless draw with Australia on Tuesday but did enough to reach the Olympic tournament knockout stage behind Group G winners Sweden who stayed perfect by beating New Zealand 2-0.
The US side had responded to an opening round shock by the Swedes with a 6-1 thrashing of New Zealand but they struggled to unlock Australia’s defence at the Ibaraki Kashima Stadium and finished with four points from three matches.
Australia can still qualify for the last-eight as one of the best third-placed teams in the competition but the Matildas will have to hope for favourable results in the other two groups.
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