Kosovare Asllani scores in Sweden’s 3-0 win over Malta

Real Madrid Femenino’s Kosovare Asllani captained Sweden in their friendly against Malta. It was Asllani’s first action since injuring her nose after scoring a hat-trick against Valencia. The Swedes traveled to Malta for their second friendly during this international break. Sweden dismantled Austria 1-6 in the first friendly.

Malta immediately dropped deep to defend. Sweden had all of the ball and passed around in Malta’s half, looking for an opening to exploit. The first opening came in the 19th minute. Julia Roddar launched a low shot from the top of the 18-yard box. Asllani stuck out her foot and flicked the shot into the Malta goal.

Sweden continued to put the pressure on Malta but were unable to find another opening in the first half.

Asllani was substituted to start the second half. Sweden’s lead was doubled in the 60th minute. The Swedes took a corner and in the jumble of bodies Malta put the ball in their own net.

Sweden added a third through Nathalie Bjorn. Bjorn stepped up to take a penalty in the 82nd minute and calmly dispatched.

Sofia Jakobsson did not feature in the match.