Sweden cruise past Australia to win World Cup bronze medal

2:07

Lawson: Lasting legacy will give Matildas tangible World Cup prize

Sophie Lawson reacts to Australia's 2-0 defeat to Sweden in the third-place playoff game at the Women's World Cup.

Updated: Aug 19, 2023, 01:32 pm

Sweden picked up their fourth Women's World Cup bronze medal on Saturday after beating co-hosts Australia 2-0 in the third-place playoff match at Lang Park in Brisbane.

The Swedes, ranked third in the world, were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a VAR review showed Australia's Clare Hunt clipped Stina Blackstenius' heels, and Fridolina Rolfö slotted home the resulting spot kick.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani doubled their lead just after the hour mark, rifling a sweet strike from the edge of the penalty area beyond goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold after another quick counter-attack.

Although disappointed to sign off at the World Cup with another defeat, the Matildas still achieved their best result at the tournament, having never previously gone beyond the quarterfinal stage.

Both teams were unchanged from the sides that started the semifinals, where Australia were beaten 3-1 by England and Sweden lost 2-1 to Spain. England play Spain in the final on Sunday.

Sweden started brightly and could have made a dream start when Blackstenius fired a low drive across goal in the opening minute, but the attempt was palmed away by Arnold and cleared by defender Ellie Carpenter.

The Matildas soon found their passing rhythm, tearing forward on the counter through Hayley Raso, but the winger's effort was blocked. Raso was denied again midway through the half with goalkeeper Sweden Zecira Musovic making a fine save.

Rolfo headed against the bar from Asllani's wonderful cross shortly before Sweden were given a penalty, the decision loudly jeered by the capacity crowd of 49,461.

With the pace of the game picking up, Arnold made a magnificent low save to keep out Rolfo's free kick in the closing minutes of the half.

Moments after Australia coach Tony Gustavsson made his first substitutions, the Matildas fell further behind, Asllani finishing off an incisive break before being mobbed by her delighted teammates.

Australia pushed forward in numbers but looked out of energy and ideas. Their efforts to claw their way back into the game were hampered when star striker Sam Kerr picked up a knock late on, and Sweden closed out the game comfortably.