Sweden secured the bronze medal in the Women's World Cup for the fourth time by defeating Australia 2-0, the co-hosts of the tournament, on Saturday. Sweden, ranked third in the world, was awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a video assistant referee review confirmed that Australian player Clare Hunt fouled Stina Blackstenius. Fridolina Rölfo scored from the penalty spot.
Sweden's captain Kosovare Asllani doubled the team's lead an hour into the match with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, capping off a swift counter-attack. Rölfo stated, "I believe we showed from the first minute that we were the better team. We deserve this medal. I hope this tournament raises the level of players in Australia and contributes to the improvement of clubs and makes them more professional. I think this tournament has been great for Australia overall."
Despite the bitter defeat, the Australian team achieved their best result in the tournament, having never advanced beyond the quarter-finals. Australian coach Tony Gustavsson said, "We wanted to win a medal for this team, the fans, family, friends, and this country. The defeat is painful. I apologize that we could not give everyone this bronze medal." He added, "My tumultuous feelings prevent me from thinking about the whole journey right now, but when we distance ourselves from this match and look at the tournament as a whole, I think we may have won something bigger than a medal, considering the support the nation has given us."
England will play Spain in the final scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday.
