Sweden 2-0 Australia (19 August 2023) Match Analysis

Sweden got her fourth Women’s World Cup Bronze medal on Saturday after defeating the co-hosts Australia 2-0 in the third place playoff match at Lang Park in Brisbane.

The Swedes, third in the world rankings, were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a VAR review showed it was Australia’s turn Clare Hunt cut off Stina Blackstenius‘heels, and Fridolina Rolfö scored the resulting penalty.

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Sweden’s captain Kosovar Asllani They doubled their lead just after the hour by firing a great shot from the edge of the box over the keeper Mackenzie Arnold after another quick counterattack.

Despite being disappointed to end the World Cup with another loss, the Matildas still achieved their best result of the tournament, having never progressed past the quarterfinals.

Both teams remained unchanged compared to the teams that started in the semi-finals, where Australia were beaten 3-1 England and Sweden lost 2-1 to Spain. England will play Spain in the final on Sunday.

Sweden started brilliantly and could have made a dream start when Blackstenius fired a low shot over the goal in the first minute, but the attempt was blocked by Arnold and cleared by the defender Ellie Carpenter.

The Matildas soon found their passing rhythm and stormed forward on the counterattack Hayley Raso But the winger’s attempt was blocked. In the middle of the half, Raso was again denied by goalkeeper Sweden Zecira Musovic make a great save.

Rolfo headed in a wonderful Asllani cross against the bar just before Sweden were awarded a penalty. The decision was loudly cheered by a sold-out crowd of 49,461 spectators.

As the pace of the game picked up, Arnold saved Rolfo’s free-kick with a great save from deep in the final minutes of half-time.

Shortly after Australia coach Tony Gustavsson made his first substitutions, the Matildas fell further behind, with Asllani creating a crucial counterattack before being pressed by her enthusiastic team-mates.

Australia pushed forward in numbers but ran out of energy and ideas. Their efforts to get back into the game were hampered by the star striker Sam Kerr suffered a setback late on and Sweden finished the game in command.