Sweden proceeds to knockout stage after blowing out Italy

WELLINGTON, July 29: Sweden has secured a spot in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup after a blowout win against Italy.

Italy's World Cup dreams are in jeopardy as they suffered an utter defeat at the hands of the powerhouse Sweden by the score of 5-0.

Most of the goals were conceded in the first half of the match. The first goal came with a header by Amanda Ilestedt at the 39th-minute mark. Rolfo, a Champions League winner with Barcelona, scored another goal five minutes later followed by another one from Arsenal player Blackstenius in the stoppage time of the first half.

Ilestedt added another one in the 50th minute of the match and the final blow was delivered by substitute Rebecka Blomqvist in the stoppage time of the match.

Sweden will face one of the United States, the Netherlands or Portugal in the knockout stage.

Italy remains second in the group with three points from two games but needs to defeat South Africa next Wednesday back in Wellington (08:00 BST) to make sure of progressing in the tournament.