21.02.2023 21:01 h

Germany and Sweden play out scoreless draw in World Cup warm-up

Germany and Sweden played out a 0-0 draw in their women's World Cup warm-up in Duisburg on Tuesday.

The match, played in front of German chancellor Olaf Scholz and a crowd of more than 20,000, was Germany's first hitout of 2023.

Scholz has previously promised equal pay including bonuses for the men's and women's German national sides, saying before the match "I'm staying on the ball on this issue and I will continue to do so."

The home side were notably rusty, conceding several chances and were kept in the game thanks to some excellent saves from 'keeper Merle Frohms.

Sweden forward Stina Blackstenius had the ball in the back of the net after 22 minutes, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

With scores still locked, Frohms made two crucial late saves from Blackstenius and Rytting Kaneyrd in the 79th and 81st minute.

"In the end, the Swedes were more aggressive," said Germany and Bayern midfielder Klara Buehl.

"We were not compact enough and we gave away a lot of the ball.

"I don't know if it was the best football match, but it was incredibly intense."