Sweden registered a fine win over Australia in the Bronze final match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at the Brisbane stadium. The Peter Gerhardsson-coached side was clearly the better of the two teams on the pitch. The Swedish side had more possession of the ball and created more significant chances throughout the game as well.
Thanks to their brilliant collective play, the side successfully achieved a third position finish in this edition of the Women’s World Cup. Australia on the other hand were handed another heartbreaking defeat following their devastating loss to England in the semi-final.
The game began with each of the two sides seeking their chances to attack their opponent’s net. None of the two sides were able to gain their rhythm however in the early minutes of the match. Sweden came immensely close to opening the scoring when Rolfo after having received Asslani’s pass flicked it towards goal only to be denied by the woodwork. Sweden did eventually take the lead in the 30th minute after being awarded a penalty for an initial challenge on Stina Blackstenius in the box. It was Rolfo who confidently slotted her penalty kick into the back of the net to make it 1-0 for Sweden.
The second half began in a pretty similar fashion with both sides looking to gain momentum. It was however Sweden once again who looked more comfortable in terms of executing their plans in the opponent’s half of play. The side eventually doubled the scoring in the 62nd minute. Blackstenius did well to shake of some right defending from Hunt and picked out Asslani, who in turn smashed a first-time shot in front outside of the box. The final blow for Australia who were already trailing 2-0 with around 15 minutes of regular time left, came in the form of Kerr sustaining an injury, which prevented her from moving freely thereon until the end of the game. FT:- Sweden 2-0 Australia.
