FIFA Women’s World Cup: Sweden Defeat Australia 2-0 to Win Bronze

Sweden won the third-place playoff match against Australia 2-0 on Saturday at Lang Park in Brisbane, earning their fourth Women’s World Cup bronze medal. 

After a VAR review revealed that Australia’s Clare Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius’ heels in the 28th minute, Sweden were given a penalty, and Fridolina Rolfo converted the ensuing spot-kick.

Just after the hour mark, Sweden’s captain, Kosovare Asllani, doubled their advantage by beating goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The Matildas, who had never advanced past the quarterfinal round before, still had their best World Cup run despite concluding with a second loss.

“We wanted to win; we wanted to have some hardware to take home. It wasn’t to be. However, the way the fans have got behind us, and the way girls have carried themselves, I think we’ve proven to the world we are a footballing nation,” said star striker Sam Kerr. 

“We couldn’t get it done tonight, but hopefully we’ve inspired people for many years to come.”

The co-hosts reached their first-ever World Cup semi-finals with a heart-stopping 7-6 penalty shootout win over France at Suncorp Stadium on August 13.

England play Spain in the final on Sunday.