On Saturday, Sweden defeated Australia, their co-host for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2-0, and in doing so secured third place for their team.
The Swedes secured their fourth bronze medal in World Cup history thanks to this victory.
It gave them their third third-place result in the previous four World Cup competitions.
Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani scored goals in each half to give the Blagult a well-earned victory. They wiped out Australia and were in nearly perfect control against a Matildas team that was showing signs of physical and mental exhaustion.
Both teams surprised everyone by keeping their starting lineups the same for a match that typically features significant lineup changes. However, this appeared to be a poor decision by Australia coach Tony Gustavsson, whose team appeared sluggish and off the pace from the very beginning of the match, with Sweden having their first chance through Stina Blackstenius after only two minutes.
During the first half, Sweden deservedly took the lead thanks to a penalty kick that was expertly converted by Rolfo. Australia had a difficult time asserting themselves during the first half.
Gustavsson waited until the hour mark to make substitutions, despite the fact that it was very evident that the team required them. After two minutes, Sweden extended their lead to 2-0 by executing a clinical counterattack, which resulted in Asllani delivering a magnificent effort that was saved by Mackenzie Arnold.
pic.twitter.com/QdsMm2jDkn
As Australia struggled to find a way into the game, they resorted to long balls and crosses in an attempt to break through, but they were unsuccessful. As a result, Sweden were able to finish the game easily and take third place at a World Cup for the fourth time.