Sweden has shattered Australia’s dream of a World Cup medal. In their fourth World Cup match for third place, the Europeans won bronze for the fourth time. The “Matildas” from “Down under” still finish the World Cup with their best finish in history.
With a deserved 2-0 (1-0) win against Australia on Saturday (19.08.2023), Sweden won the match for third place at the Women’s World Cup. The goals in the hard-fought game in the packed stadium in Brisbane were scored by Fridolina Rölfö with a penalty (30′) and Kosovare Asllani (62′) with a long-range shot. This is Sweden’s fourth World Cup bronze medal after 2007, 2011 and 2015. Australia remains without a hoped-for medal, but celebrates its team anyway.
Australia let Sweden have the ball
In the duel between the two switching teams, Australia often gave the ball to the Swedes at first. Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson’s team had problems with the ball possession of more than 60 percent at times. The “Matildas” were tight at the back, relying on fast counterattacks – and were therefore the more dangerous team at the beginning of the game. Hayley Raso on the right and Caitlin Ford on the left kept bringing the ball forward dangerously. Superstar Sam Kerr was always wanted, but was mostly canceled by the strong Amanda Ilestedt.
Latte – Penalty – Goal
With the best “Matildas” chance, Sweden’s Zecira Musovic defused a Raso shot into the near corner (18th). However, Sweden scored the first goal of the game: After a crossbar header from Fridolina Rölfö (26th), a previous duel in the penalty area was checked again. And then Australia’s Clare Hunt ran into Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius, referee Cheryl Foster decided on a penalty after a video check. And the transformed Rölfö for sure. Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was in the left corner, but didn’t get the ball (30′).
Arnold with a strong reflex
The “Matildas” needed something to digest the residue. Sweden kept the pressure on in the now heated game. In injury time, Australia’s strong Arnold prevented the 0:2. The 29-year-old was able to fend off a hard shot from Kosovare Asllani (45’+2′).
Just a Kerr shot on goal
The “Matildas”, coached by Swedish coach Tony Gustavsson, came out of the break with the expected pressure and momentum. The first few minutes belonged to the hostesses, cheered on by 50,000 fans in Brisbane. But against the well-organized defense of the Swedes, Kerr and Co. could not get through. Kerr, who in he 45.+6. minute her first and long only shot on goal was signed off by Ilestedt and Magdalena Eriksson.
Asllani decides game
Sweden had the better chances again: Asllani initially failed in the “Matildas” defense (52nd) after great preliminary work by Elin Rubensson. Shortly thereafter, however, the midfielder from AC Milan decided the game: After a Blackstenius ball behind the defense, Asllani hit the bottom right corner from 16 meters (62′).
Polkinghorne forgives connection
Australia didn’t give up and kept running – but mostly headless. Nevertheless, the connection could have fallen. But with the best chance to make it 1: 2, Clare Polkinghorne shot Sweden’s goalkeeper Musovic from close range (70th). It was the hostesses’ last big chance in the game. After the final whistle, the “Matildas” were still celebrated. Sweden travels home with their fourth bronze medal at the World Cup – but there is no celebration for the time being. Because of the threat of terrorism, Sweden’s authorities canceled all celebrations for the time being.