Sweden beat Australia 2-0 to clinch bronze at Women’s World Cup

Sweden beat Australia 2-0 to clinch bronze at Women’s World Cup

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.

It is Sweden’s fourth bronze medal at the championship.

According to Eurosport, Sweden started the Saturday’s game 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.