Photo Credit: Matt Roberts – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Sweden have finished in third place at a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the second tournament running after a 2-0 victory over co-hosts Australia in Brisbane.
Despite a passionate and noisy home crowd backing the Matildas, Sweden were well worth their victory and arguably could have won by a greater margin had they been more clinical with their finishing.
Half an hour into the contest and the Swedes were given the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock. Despite not given at the time, a VAR check confirmed that Clare Hunt had clipped the ankle of forward Stina Blackstenius inside the penalty box and Welsh referee Cheryl Foster duly pointed to the spot.
Fridolina Rolfo grabbed the ball and the responsibility and calmly slotted past the outstretched arm of Mackenzie Arnold to make it 1-0.
Despite the best efforts of Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and Sam Kerr, Australia struggled against a physically imposing Swedish defence and Zecira Musovic was largely untested in goal for much of the 90 minutes.
Just past the hour mark the result was settled. Excellent hold-up play by Blackstenius just inside the area allowed her to lay the ball off to Kosovare Asllani, who drilled a first time effort past Arnold and into the corner.
A number of late changes from Australia Head Coach Tony Gustavsson tried to swing the momentum in his sides favour but Sweden held firm and thoroughly deserved their third place finish and the bronze medal.
All eyes now turn to Sydney tomorrow night for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final™ between Spain and England.
Sweden: 2 (Stina BLACKSTENIUS (P) 30′, Kosovare ASSLANI 62′)
Australia: 0
HT: 1-0