The report says Schroder scored all three goals in a breakthrough performance for the national team. The forward, who has recently joined Real Madrid, had reportedly gone scoreless in her first 11 international appearances.
She opened the scoring in the first half before converting a penalty after a foul on Anna Anvegard. Schroder then restored Sweden’s attacking momentum after the interval, combining with Anvegard before completing her hat-trick following a pass from Matilda Vinberg.
The performance changes the tone around the striker. A player still establishing herself internationally now appears to have delivered the decisive moment in a high-stakes playoff.
The reported score remained 1-0 until the second half, but Sweden’s substitutes helped turn control into a rout. Stina Blackstenius added the fourth after a move involving Monica Jusu Bah, while Amanda Ilestedt reportedly completed the scoring after Filippa Angeldal created the opening.
Tony Gustavsson’s changes therefore had a direct impact. Nathalie Bjorn also returned to the starting lineup after a long injury absence, although the report says she was replaced at halftime.
A five-goal advantage should give Sweden room to rotate, but the return leg still requires discipline. Lithuania’s task is difficult, yet an early goal would test Sweden’s concentration and defensive structure.
The report says the winner will face Belarus or Italy in the next phase, with qualification for the World Cup in Brazil at stake. Sweden’s immediate priority is simple: finish the job in Solna without allowing a comfortable first-leg lead to become a distraction.