Welsh Penalty Derails Sweden’s Flawless UEFA Nations League Campaign

A second-half penalty denied the Swedish women’s national team a sixth consecutive victory, as they drew 1-1 with the Welsh women at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League.

Following their 2-1 triumph against Denmark in Odense on the opening day of Group A4 on Friday, the fifth-ranked team in the world made a fast start, taking the lead within the first 15 minutes.

Some clever interplay on the left flank created space for Matilda Vinberg, who delivered a dangerous cross into the box, forcing Welsh goalkeeper Olivia Clark to deflect the ball into a perilous area.

The loose ball was seized by Filippa Angeldal, who capitalised with a close-range finish as Clark struggled to regain her position in time.

However, Sweden’s hopes of a dominant performance were thwarted as the hosts held firm in a first half that saw no further shots on target.

Sweden intensified the pressure early in the second period, yet they struggled to convert their dominance into clear scoring opportunities against a side ranked 30th in the world.

In the closing 20 minutes, Peter Gerhardsson’s team came closest to adding a second when Rebecka Blomqvist played in Stina Blackstenius, whose shot hit the woodwork.

In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Wales capitalised five minutes later when Emma Kullberg handled the ball in the box.

Kayleigh Barton stepped up for the Dragons and confidently slotted her penalty into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Jennifer Falk with no chance.

Neither side managed to secure a late winner, resulting in Sweden accumulating four points in the group after two matches. Denmark’s 3-1 victory over Italy sees both teams level on three points, while Wales sit at the bottom of Group A4 with just one point.