Soccer World Cup: Sweden secured bronze by beating Australia

2023-08-19 10:41:41

In the game for third place, the favorites won 2-0 (1-0) in Brisbane on Saturday and finished third for the fourth time at a World Cup. In addition to 1991, this was also the case in 2011 and most recently in 2019. You were better only in 2003 as second. The goals for the Scandinavians were scored by Fridolina Rolfö (30′) with a penalty kick and Kosovare Asslani (62′).

For Australia of the Swedish coach Tony Gustavsson, reaching the semi-finals was the greatest success in history. In front of 49,461 spectators, the Matildas, who lost 3-1 to England in the semi-finals, tried in vain to dream of bronze.

Sweden, third in the world rankings and just as unchanged in terms of personnel as Australia in comparison to the 2-1 draw against Spain in the semi-finals, took the lead in an entertaining game after almost half an hour. Rolfö converted confidently from the “point”, it was the 29-year-old’s fourth goal in this final round. The penalty was preceded by a foul by Clare Hunt on Stina Blackstenius, and the VAR had to intervene in the action. Again about half an hour later, captain Asllani fixed the final score after a counterattack.

The hostesses were mostly harmless on the offensive and were unable to force a turnaround in the end. Top star and captain Sam Kerr was also unlucky. She had to be treated after 75 minutes.