By Victor Kanayo
For the second time in succession, Sweden, Saturday, settled for bronze in a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This is after the European nation muscled cohost Australia 2-0 in the third-place match in Brisbane.
The victory ensured that Sweden now a third-place specialist won their fourth Women’s World Cup bronze medal.
Sweden Victory Navigation
Captain Kosovare Asllani’s stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden.
She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo’s first-half penalty, rifling in a sweet strike from the edge of the area following another quick counter-attack.
Sweden, ranked third in the world, were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a VAR review showed Clare Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius’ heels, with Fridolina Rolfo scoring the resulting spot kick.
Sweden have plenty of experience of playing in the third-fourth place match, having reached the semi-finals on five occasions but only making the final once – in 2003, when they were beaten by Germany.
They had won bronze in 1991, 2003, 2011 and 2019.
Australia Flat Effort
Australia only really looked dangerous on the transition and for much of the time they seemed to be chasing shadows, struggling to get any meaningful possession.
Despite the defeat, the Matildas still achieved their best result at the Women’s World Cup having never previously gone beyond the quarter-final stage.
On Sunday, Spain will face England in the final of the tournament to decide the overall winners.
