Newly-signed Arsenal and Sweden star Amanda Ilestedt sent both Blågult and Gunners fans into raptures when she scored a winning goal against South Africa in the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The game was tied at 1-1 as it entered its dying embers. Sweden were awarded a corner in the 90th minute of a game – from the resulting set-piece, Ilestedt rose above everyone to calmly nod the ball into the back of the net.
The goal completed Sweden’s comeback over the South Africans, having been 1-0 down prior to this. It also gave them their first win of the World Cup – as Argentina and Italy have yet to play, they are currently top of Group G.
What did fans of Sweden and Arsenal have to say on Twitter?
Several fans of both Sweden and Arsenal reacted to Ilestedt’s dramatic winning goal on Twitter. Here’s what they had to say:
My CB
— The November Man 🇳🇬🇷🇺 (@Oriyomi_xx) July 23, 2023
Well the SA goal was her slight mistake but I looove that she salvaged herself 🥳
— Miss Wirtz❤️ (@HKuriah) July 23, 2023
We signed a great CB… ♥️ 🤍
— Skylar Leonard (@skylleonard) July 23, 2023
That's our CB 🇸🇪❤️🔥
— Shanna Crossman🇺🇸🏴 (@anna_awfc) July 23, 2023
YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
— 🇸🇪 #FIFAWWC (@GustavoSRebello) July 23, 2023
Amanda Ilestedt is the second Arsenal player to score at #FIFAWWC
— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator) July 23, 2023
What will Amanda Ilestedt add to the squad next season?
Towards the end of the 2022/23 WSL season, Arsenal were stricken by a major injury to England captain Leah Williamson. She was ruled out for the remainder of that campaign – additionally, she is also set to miss out on the beginning of the 2023/24 season.
As such, the Gunners were left in need of a commanding central defender in Williamson’s absence. Thankfully, with Ilestedt, they have found just that.
Not only does Ilestedt provide an imperious aerial presence, as evidenced by her goal against South Africa, she is also a very intelligent defender – she knows how to hold a backline together.
Previously, Ilestedt has featured for massive clubs such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain – can she repliate her excellent form as a Gunner?
