Sweden yesterday won yet another bronze medal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani scoring in a clinical 2-0 win over tournament cohosts Australia.
Sweden proved once again that they are tough to beat after a semi-final loss, extending their perfect record in World Cup third-place matches to four with the victory in Brisbane.
It was a disappointing finish for the Matildas, who captivated the host nation during a run to the semi-finals for the first time.
Photo: EPA-EFE
The tournament cohosted by Australia and New Zealand has set attendance records, had packed fan zones and two of Australia’s matches became the most-watched programs on domestic commercial TV in 20 years.
Ultimately, it ended with back-to-back losses to the No. 3 and No. 4-ranked teams in the world even with star striker Sam Kerr back in the starting lineup.
Rolfo converted from the penalty spot with a low, curling left-foot shot in the 30th minute after Australia defender Clare Hunt was penalized after a review after tripping Stina Blackstenius.
Photo: EPA-EFE
Asllani’s well-timed strike to finish off a long-range Sweden counterattack in the 62nd minute sealed the win.
Sweden were dominant for most of the match, staying compact and organized.
Sweden ’keeper Zecira Musovic kept another clean sheet, blocking Kerr’s angled right-foot strike in stoppage-time in the first half and stopping Clare Polkinghorne’s shot from right in front in the 70th minute.
Kerr missed the entire group stage after injuring her left calf muscle on the eve of the tournament. She started yesterday in an unchanged Australia lineup following Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final loss against England.
Kerr injured her right leg in a tackle in the 75th minute of yesterday’s game and limped off the field for some quick treatment, but returned to continue playing.
A 2-1 loss to Spain in Auckland sent Sweden into familiar territory. They beat Germany in 1991, France in 2011 and England four years ago in their previous bronze-medal matches.
Spain and European champions England are to meet in the final in Sydney today.
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