BRASILIA, BRAZIL – AUGUST 09: Yang Li #10 China and Dahlkvist Lisa #7 Swedwn at China PR v Swede Women’s Football Olympics Day 4 at Mane Garrincha Stadium on August 9, 2016 in Brasilia, Brazil. 

Earlier results meant China and Sweden went into their final group game in Brasilia knowing a draw would see both teams through to the last eight, but with the United States awaiting Sweden should they fail to win, the Scandinavians played as if desperate to avoid them, flying at the Chinese from the start.

In the ninth minute, Fridolina Rolfö broke and released Lotta Schelin through the middle, who out-paced her marker but had her shot smothered by Chinese goalkeeper, Zhao Lina. Thereafter, China settled into a passing rhythm which left the Swedes chasing the ball even if chances were at a premium. Starved of possession, Sweden’s game was hurried and littered with errors. Caroline Seger came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock in the 35th minute when her seemingly mis-hit cross nearly caught out Zhao at her near post.

Knowing even a narrow defeat would see them through, it took until the 73rd minute for China to muster a decent effort on goal when Wang Shaung’s 25-yard left foot shot drifted narrowly over. Moments later Zhang Rui shot straight at Hedwig Lindahl from the edge of the area after a nice passing move. Rolfö then released Schelin again, this time down the right of the area but again Zhao was quick off her line to smother. Substitute Kosovare Asllani then lashed over from the left side of the area before firing narrowly wide of Zhao’s goal after beautifully controlling a loose ball.

As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, so both teams sat on their mutually beneficial scoreline to the dismay of New Zealand. China will head north to Salvador to face Germany, while Sweden can stay in Brasilia to await the defending World and Olympic champions in the knockout stages.