New Arsenal signing Amanda Ilestedt scored a 90th minute winner as Sweden came from behind to beat South Africa to kick off Group G. 

Former PSG defender Ilestedt displayed her attacking intent from set pieces throughout, heading two corner deliveries just wide late on in the first half before towering over the South Africa defence to reach another in the second. When Ilestedt popped up with a late winner, it was yet another header, powered home from Asslani’s corner.

The right sided centre back is comfortable with the ball at both feet and is capable of playing anywhere across the backline if required. Arsenal’s first summer signing played the full 90 minutes in Wellington.

Sweden dominated the ball in the first half but the supply to Blackstenius, who was leading the line and making all the right runs, was well cut off by South Africa and too many crosses were misplaced.

Sweden’s final ball was often lacking despite regularly getting into some excellent positions, and their wastefulness was punished just three minutes into the second half as Magaia bundled the ball over the line to put South Africa ahead. An own goal saw Peter Gerhardsson’s side draw level before Blackstenius was replaced by Wolfsburg’s Rebecka Blomqvist.

Lina Hurtig was also introduced from the bench in the 88th minute, finishing the game out on the right wing, before the magical moment came courtesy of Amanda Ilestedt. Arsenal fans will like what they saw.

It was then the turn of the Netherlands to get their campaign up and running against World Cup debutants Portugal, with Victoria Pelova featuring at right wing-back for the Oranje in a 1-0 win. Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema, the Netherlands' all time leading goalscorer, was watching on as she continued her rehab from an ACL injury.

Back to how it all started… I’ll be the biggest @oranjeleeuwinnen fan this summer ??#Ned #FIFAWomensWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/gGVjhZOzMK

— Vivianne Miedema (@VivianneMiedema) July 23, 2023