France Edge Sweden in UWNL Thriller

Gago goal secures France UWNL bronze

France edge Sweden 4-3 on aggregate. Kelly Gago scores extra-time winner as France beat Sweden to claim UWNL bronze.

Sweden dominated the first 45 minutes but struggled to create chances, and France's plan seemed to be working until...

Kelly Gago's extra-time goal secured bronze for France in the UWNL, beating Sweden 2-1 on aggregate. France needed the win after trailing 2-1 from the first leg, and Gago's strike early in extra-time's second half did the trick.

Sweden pushed hard at home in Solna, but couldn't find the equalizer, handing France third place in the tournament. The win marks a welcome boost for France, who had been struggling recently.

Sweden dominated the first 45 minutes but struggled to create chances, and France's plan seemed to be working until Clara Mateo put them 3-1 up on aggregate just before the hour mark. But Sweden kicked into gear in the final stages, with Evelyn Ijeh scoring in the 84th minute and Rusul Kafaji netting in the 92nd to send the tie to extra time.

Sweden's tactical changes came back to haunt them, making five changes in 90 minutes left them with only one sub for extra time, while France had four. Gago was thrown on and scored the winner just 10 minutes later, making it 2-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate for France.

Sweden's winless streak continues, now five games without a victory, dating back to their UEFA Women's EURO 2025 quarterfinal exit. France's win secures third place in the UWNL.