FIFA Women’s World Cup: Clinical Sweden defeat hosts Australia to take 3rd place in tournament

The Swedish women’s football team secured their fourth bronze medal in the Women’s World Cup on Saturday, following a convincing win over co-hosts Australia in the match for third place at Brisbane’s Lang Park.

Sweden, currently ranked third globally, were given a penalty in the 28th minute upon a VAR review. It revealed that Australia’s Clare Hunt tripped Stina Blackstenius, giving Fridolina Rolfo a chance to smoothly score the penalty shot.

Kosovare Asllani, the Swedish captain, amplified their lead shortly after the 60-minute mark with a sublime goal from the penalty area’s edge. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold watched helplessly as the ball landed inside the net after a rapid counter-attack.

Australia’s Matildas, although disheartened with their World Cup journey ending in disappointment, managed to accomplish their best-ever performance at the tournament, having never advanced beyond the quarter-finals in previous years.

Neither team made changes from their respective sides that commenced the semi-finals; Australia suffered a 3-1 loss to England, while Sweden was narrowly beaten, 2-1, by Spain. England battles with Spain in the final round on Sunday.

The Swedes displayed immediate initiative and nearly scored in the first minute when a low drive from Blackstenius tested Arnold. Australia’s defender Ellie Carpenter managed to clear the ball after Arnold’s initial save.

The Matildas quickly recovered, showcasing their impressive passing skills and forward movement during a counter-attack led by Hayley Raso. However, Raso’s attempt was deflected, and a subsequent shot blocked, thanks to the Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic’s superb reflexes.

Just before the penalty was granted to Sweden, Rolfo’s header off a brilliant cross from Asllani rattled the bar. The decision to award a penalty drew robust jeers from the packed spectator crowd of 49,461.