Sweden, until Tuesday evening at the Turku Stadium, had failed to win in their last eight opening fixtures at a major tournament but there were few signs of pressure as the team took a two goal lead within 15 minutes.

“We played more relaxed over the 90 minutes than we have done in previous opening matches. It was very much thanks to that goal,” Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby said after the match referring to the opening headed goal by Linköping’s Charlotte Rohlin after five minutes play.

Swedish captain Victoria Sandell Svensson doubled the lead after latching on to a ball from Lisa Dahlkvist to head home after 15 minutes.

Dahlkvist was the only unfamiliar face in Sweden’s starting line up after coming in for the injured Umeå midfielder Nilla Fischer.

Midfield partner Caroline Seger completed the rout for the Swedes with eight minutes remaining on the clock.

Sweden will now meet Italy on Friday, who impressed in a surprise 2-1 victory over hot favourites England.