The third-place playoff match between Sweden and co-hosts Australia at the Brisbane Stadium on Saturday was not devoid of brilliance, as the Europeans saw off the Matildas 2-0 in front of their own fans.
A first-half penalty from FC Barcelona forward Fridolina Rolfo and a second-half wonder strike from team captain Kosovare Asllani sealed the bronze medal for the Swedes, who finished in third place for the fourth time, the most of any side in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
The two sides started the match very sharply, with both goalkeepers called to action very early in the tie. Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold denied Stina Blackstenius in the very first minute of the game, while Zecira Musovic clawed away Hayley Raso’s effort for the Matildas.
Rolfo was denied by the crossbar in the 26th minute following good work from Asllani and Blackstenius, but the referee blew for a penalty after VAR review as the Arsenal forward was initially tripped in the box by Clare Polkinghorne.
Rolfo stepped up to the spotkick, and the 29-year-old made no mistakes from 12 yards out as she sent it past Arnold into the bottom right corner to put Sweden ahead with her third goal of the tournament.
Both sides got on target once again in first-half stoppage time, with Filippa Angeldal drawing a brilliant save from Arnold while Musovic was on hand to deny Sam Kerr on the other end.
Sweden got their second goal of the game two minutes after the hour mark via a thunderous one-time strike from Asllani. The AC Milan midfielder struck the ball into the far-right corner, beating Arnold after she was teed up by Blackstenius, who held off pressure from Australia’s backline.
Co-hosts Australia, despite not clinching a podium finish, ended the tournament with their best ever record, a fourth-place finish, while Sweden will continue their search for a first World Cup triumph, having finished third on three previous occasions and as runners-up just once.
Action continues on Sunday, August 20, as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will come to a conclusion at the Stadium Australia in Sydney when a new world champion emerges between Spain or reigning European champions England.
YOU CAN WATCH THE FINAL OF THE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2023 LIVE ON AFROSPORT ON FREE TV CHANNEL 730 OR STREAM FOR FREE ON VIDIVU FROM 10AM WAT.
