Sweden beat co-hosts Australia 2-0 in the third-place match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, picking up its fourth bronze medal on Saturday, at the Lang Park Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Both teams were unchanged from the sides that started the semi-finals, where Australia were beaten 3-1 by England and Sweden lost 2-1 to Spain.
The Swedes, ranked third in the world, were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a VAR review showed Australia’s Clare Hunt clipped Stina Blackstenius’ heels, and Fridolina Rolfo stepped up to fire the resulting spot kick into the net. 1-0!
With the pace of the game picking up, Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made a magnificent low save to keep out Rolfo’s free kick in the closing minutes of the half.
In the second half, Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani doubled the lead just after the hour mark, rifling a sweet strike from the edge of the penalty area beyond the reach of goalkeeper Arnold following another quick counter-attack.
Australia pushed forward in numbers but looked out of energy and ideas.
Their efforts to claw their way back into the game were hampered when star striker Sam Kerr picked up a knock late on and Sweden closed out the game comfortably as the match finished 2-0.
Source: Voice of Nigeria