Soccer

Sweden beat Australia to win World Cup third-place play-off for fourth time

Sweden struck in both half to retain their World Cup better of the remainder standing with victory over co-hosts Australia within the third-place play-off.

A Fridolina Rolfo penalty and positive Kosovare Asllani strike secured a 2-0 win for Sweden, who by no means seemed in peril of dropping to the house favourites in Brisbane.

Peter Gerhardsson’s aspect responded magnificently to their last-minute semi-final exit by the hands of Spain, outclassing Australia to win the third-place play-off for the fourth time of their historical past.

Sweden began shortly and set out their stall early on as Arsenal ahead Stina Blackstenius bought in on purpose throughout the opening two minutes, her low shot turned away by Mackenzie Arnold.

Just because the hosts seemed to be getting a foothold within the recreation, Sweden would take the lead as a penalty was awarded following a prolonged VAR evaluation of Clare Hunt’s journey of Blackstenius’ trailing leg.

Rolfo, who scored the winner when the 2 nations met within the 2020 Olympics semi-finals, made no mistake from the spot with Arnold crushed regardless of diving the appropriate manner.

Sweden got here shut to doubling their lead in first-half stoppage time however a positive low save from Arnold stored out a Filippa Angeldahl strike that flashed by a crowded penalty space.

Having crushed England to end third 4 years in the past in France, Sweden all-but secured one other bronze medal as they widened the margin simply after the hour.

A pacey counter-attack noticed Blackstenius shake off the attentions of the Australia defence earlier than squaring for Asllani to hit one of many targets of the event, beating Arnold with a strike from the sting of the field.

Any hopes that Australia may launch an unlikely comeback suffered a blow when captain Sam Kerr hobbled off for therapy on her foot.

The Chelsea striker suffered a calf damage on the eve of the finals, dampening her influence as she was not match sufficient to begin a recreation till the semi-final loss to England.

She returned to the pitch however, by that stage, Sweden have been accountable for the tie and left the house followers cheering a valiant effort from Australia, who had to settle for fourth place.


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