Harder's goal sends Sweden to World Cup playoffs

Sweden faces a playoff for a spot in next year's World Cup in Brazil after a 1-2 defeat to Denmark in a must-win match. The loss eliminated Sweden's chance for a direct qualification.

Denmark's star forward Pernille Harder, a substitute in the second half, scored her 84th international goal to secure the victory for her team. The Bayern Munich attacker's goal put Denmark ahead 2-1, a significant step towards their own World Cup qualification.

"We are not reaching our level. We have problems and they (Denmark) are skilled. In the first half, we are far from where we want to be. I don't know why," said Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, reflecting the team's struggle to perform.

Sweden had opportunities, including hitting the woodwork twice, similar to their previous encounter with Denmark where they also lost 2-1. Smilla Holmberg's powerful shot hit the crossbar early in the match, and Felicia Schröder's header struck the woodwork in the second half. Despite these chances and Rytting Kaneryd equalizing in the second half, Sweden couldn't maintain the momentum.

The team will now prepare for playoffs in the fall. Their final World Cup qualifier is against Italy on Tuesday, who recently defeated Serbia 3-0 to take second place in the group.