There was only one match left for Sweden in the WC 2023. A bronze match against the host nation Australia.
After Sweden knocked out the big nation USA in the round of 16 and Japan in the quarter-finals, the finals dreams were extinguished when Blue Yellow lost to Spain in the semi-finals.
When the starting elevens were presented, it was clear that confederation captain Peter Gerhardsson gave the same starting eleven confidence as in the remaining playoff matches.
Sweden got a goal chance right away. Striker Stina Blackstenius brought the ball into Australia’s penalty area and cut in with a finish. But the ball was saved.
Half an hour had passed when Sweden were awarded a penalty. Stina Blackstenius was brought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Fridolina Rolfö stepped forward and placed 1-0 in the right corner of the goal.
Sweden continued to press Australia out of the half and just before the break Filippa Angeldal tried to extend, but Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made another fine save.
The score was 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, it would take an hour before it was team captain Kosovare Asllani’s turn. From the penalty area line, she thundered in 2-0 – thus the final result was also determined.
The victory against Australia gave Sweden a bronze medal in the WC 2023. The host nation Australia finished just off the podium and had to settle for fourth place.
Starting XI:
Sweden: Musovic – Björn, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson – Rubensson, Angeldal, Asllani – Rytting Kaneryd, Blackstenius, Rolfö.
Australia: Arnold – Carpenter, Hunt, Polkinghorne, Catley – Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord – Fowler, Kerr.