Sweden thrash Italy to book knockout spot in Women's World Cup

JUMPING FOR JOY: Sweden's Rebecka Blomqvist, left, celebrates after scoring her side's 5th goal during the World Cup Group G match in Wellington, New Zealand. Pic: AP Photo/John Cowpland

A three-goal blitz just before half-time helped Sweden to a dominant 5-0 win over Italy in Wellington on Saturday as they booked their spot in the Women's World Cup knockout stage with a match to spare.

Amanda Ilestedt scored the first of her two goals in the 39th minute when she got up well to head home Jonna Andersson's corner and further efforts from Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius inside seven minutes ended the match as a contest.