Australia 0-2 Sweden: Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani both score as Swedes take third place from co-hosts
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ByEurosport
Updated 19/08/2023 at 14:46 GMT
A first-half penalty from Fridolina Rolfo and a second-half goal from Kosovare Asllani saw Sweden beat co-hosts Australia 2-0 on Saturday and secure third place at the 2023 World Cup. Home fans had hoped to see their heroes take the third place after their loss to England in the semi-finals but they ended up having to settle for fourth place after they saw defeat in their final game.
'Penalty hurt us - Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson reacts to his side’s defeat to Sweden in the third
Sweden clinched the bronze medal at the Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over co-hosts Australia in Brisbane.
Fridolina Rolfo’s first-half penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson’s side the platform and Kosovare Asllani rifled home a shot from outside the box as Sweden finished third for the fourth time in their history.
Sweden started with more attacking intent, and they were handed a wonderful opportunity to open the scoring in the 30th minute when Stina Blackstenius was tripped by Clare Hunt inside the box after Rolfo had hit the crossbar with a header. The Barcelona striker was given the nod to take the spot-kick, making no mistake with a fine penalty.
Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a reaction save to deny Filippa Angeldahl from point-blank range in first-half stoppage time to keep her side in the game.
The Matildas were caught on the counter-attack just past the hour-mark when Asllani drove through midfield, exchanged passes with Blackstenius before finding the bottom corner with an excellent shot to put Sweden in total control.
Australia toiled as they desperately tried to get back into the game but after seven exhausting games, they looked fatigued and their extraordinary campaign ended in limp fashion.
It also proved another frustrating occasion for striker Sam Kerr, who was making just her second start of her home World Cup. She struggled to get a clear sight of goal and there were fears of a fresh injury when she went down following a strong challenge by Magdalena Eriksson, albeit she was able to see the remaining minutes through.
Talking point - Sweden show their experience
Before kick-off, Australia were considered favourites by many – after all, with the fans in Brisbane firmly behind them, The Matildas would have been desperate to finish what has been a successful campaign on a high.
But Sweden, who had played three third-place play-off matches before - winning them all - used all their experience and knowhow to get the job done.
Regardless of the defeat, Australia have already cemented their legacy at this World Cup, history has been written and the only way is up.
Player of the match – Kosovare Asllani (Sweden)
Dictated the tempo of the game with her presence in midfield where her quality stood out. Played her part in Sweden winning the first-half penalty before taking the game by the scruff of the neck as she doubled her side’s advantage.
Player ratings
Sweden: Musovic 6, Bjorn, 6, Ilestedt 6, Eriksson 7, Andersson 7, Angeldahl 8, Rubensson 7, Rytting Kaneryd 7, Asllani 9*, Rolfo 8, Blackstenius 8.. subs: Sembrant N/A, Hurtig 6, Blomqvist 6.
Australia: Arnold 7, Carpenter 7, Hunt 5, Polinghorne 6, Catley 6, Raso 7, Gorry 6, Cooney-Cross 6, Foord 5, Fowler 5, Kerr 6.. subs: Nevin 5, Chidiac 5, Vine 5, Van Egmond 5.
Match highlights
30’ - GOAL! SWEDEN 1-0 AUSTRALIA (FRIDOLINA ROLFO, PEN): As cool as you like, Rolfo rolls it into the corner and Arnold, at full stretch, can't keep it out - the perfect spot-kick. It's her third goal of the tournament.
45’+ 1 - BIG SAVE BY ARNOLD! Wow, what a save by Australia goalkeeper Arnold, who keeps her side in the game! Chaos ensues in the penalty area and a shot by Angeldahl from point-blank range is somehow kept out by Arnold, who saw it awfully late.
62’ - GOAL! SWEDEN 2-0 AUSTRALIA (KOSOVARE ASLLANI): Sweden double their advantage with a well-taken goal! It comes from a devastating counter-attack, started by Asllani, who drives into the middle before releasing Blacksteinus. She checks back inside and gives it back to Asllani, who buries a shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Key stat
Australia had already secured their best finish in a Women’s World Cup final competition having never previously gone further than the quarter-finals.
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