Sweden clinch bronze with 2-0 win over Australia
Fridolina Rolfo of Sweden speaking to the media after her team won the bronze medal match in the World Cup Credit: Matt Roberts - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Sweden showcased their footballing prowess with a commanding 2-0 win against Australia, securing the bronze medal at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Scandinavian side maintained their impeccable record in bronze-medal matches, with this marking their fifth podium finish, a tally second only to the USA.
The match, played in Brisbane, began with the Swedes putting Australia on the back foot. Just within the first minute, Stina Blackstenius almost found the back of the net, only to be denied by an exceptional save from Australia's goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold.
Sweden's attacking intent was rewarded in the 30th minute when Clare Hunt inadvertently tripped Blackstenius in the penalty area.
Following a VAR confirmation, Fridolina Rolfo stepped up, effortlessly converting the spot-kick to give Sweden a well-deserved lead.
The Matildas tried to mount a comeback, with both Hayley Raso and Sam Kerr testing Sweden's keeper, Zecira Musovic.
However, Sweden's dominance shone through in the 62nd minute when Rolfo turned provider, setting up Kosovare Asllani who fired a sublime shot past Arnold, confirming Sweden's bronze-medal triumph.
Australia, who hoped to end their impressive World Cup journey on a high note, were visibly disappointed.
The Matildas have now faced Sweden's Rolfo in three consecutive major tournaments, with the Swedish star scoring in each encounter.
Australia's coach, Tony Gustavsson, reflected on the team's performance, "It's a challenging moment. We aimed for a medal, and missing out for the second consecutive tournament hurts. However, perhaps we achieved something even greater than a medal. With time, we might realize that we've won something more significant."
Sweden Women: Zecira Musovic; Jonna Andersson, Nathalie Bjorn, Magdalena Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt; Filippa Angeldal, Kosovare Asllani (Lina Hurtig 67), Fridolina Rolfo, Elin Rubensson, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Linda Sembrant 89); Stina Blackstenius (Rebecka Blomqvist 68).
Subs not used: Tove Enblom, Jennifer Falk, Anna Sandberg, Stina Lennartsson, Hanna Bennison, Olivia Schough, Caroline Seger, Madelen Janogy, Sofia Jakobsson.
Booked: Elin Rubensson (89).
Australia Women: Mackenzie Arnold; Ellie Carpenter (Courtney Nevin 75), Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Clare Polkinghorne (Alex Chidiac 75); Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry (Emily Van Egmond 60), Hayley Raso (Cortnee Vine 60); Mary Fowler, Samantha Kerr.
Subs not used: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Alanna Kennedy, Charlotte Grant, Aivi Luik, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop, Kyah Simon.
Booked: Katrina Gorry (45).
John Caulfield on abandoned cup tie: ‘The conditions were getting worse. We can see that. We were 2-0 up but that is the way it goes’ - https://t.co/94rjArr8tjhttps://t.co/9reEzdG9rL
— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 19, 2023
