UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
- Sweden made an aggressive start but the Matildas weathered the early storm
- Still, the Swedes took the lead half an hour into the match when Rolfo converted a penalty. Blackstenius won the spot kick.
- It was more of the same in the second half with Sweden well on top. The calming second goal was scored by Asllani just past the hour mark. It was easy for Sweden all game.
Australia women player ratings: didn’t look ready for the fight
Contents
GK Mackenzie Arnold 7.2/10 – She was the only reason why the Matildas avoided humiliation.
DF Clare Hunt 5.7/10 – Awful all match. Most of the problems came after her mistakes.
DF Steph Catley 6.9/10 – Struggled, but late on made some decisive tackles and recoveries.
DF Clare Polkinghorne 6.3/10 – Targeted all game for her lack of speed and she failed to rise to the challenge.
DF Ellie Carpenter 7.0/10 – The best defensive display of the game. It wasn’t enough.
MF Hayley Raso 6.5/10 – Started well and had the 2 best early chances. Faded fast after that.
MF Caitlin Foord 6.3/10 – Didn’t have any spaces to use her speed.
MF Katrina Gorry 7.1/10 – Battled hard against the Swedes. The only Matilda that looked ready to do so.
MF Kyra Cooney-Cross 6.3/10 – Her passing was dreadful all match.
FW Mary Fowler 6.4/10 – Quiet and ineffective.
FW Sam Kerr 6.7/10- Tried hard but didn’t look right. Forced off injured again in the second half.
Substitutes
FW Cortnee Vine 6.5/10 – Also came on after the second goal. Made some decent solo runs.
FW Emily van Egmond 6.2/10 – Came on for the final 30 minutes. Didn’t have much impact.
DF Courtney Nevin N/A
DF Alex Chidiac N/A
Sweden Player Ratings: decisive and full of determination top to bottom
GK Zecira Musovic 7.6/10 – Not tested too often but alert and decisive every time she needed to make a save.
DF Jonna Andersson 7.0/10 – Carried threat in attack.
DF Magdalena Eriksson 7.1/10 – Defended well all game.
DF Amanda Ilestedt 7.5/10 – Another great display from the centre-back. She finished the Tournament as Sweden’s top goalscorer with 4 goals.
DF Nathalie Bjorn 7.7/10 – Her runs forward and sharp crosses created plenty of chances. Defended very well too.
MF Kosovare Asllani 8.9/10 – The Swedish captain led by example and she was the best player on the pitch. Scored the crucial second goal too.
MF Filippa Angeldal 6.5/10 – Had issues controlling the ball. Too many of her passes went astray.
MF Johanna Kaneryd 6.8/10 – Solid but not very impactful.
FW Fridolina Rolfo 7.8/10 – Another excellent display from her. Converted the penalty and could have easily scored 2-3 more.
FW Stina Blackstenius 7.3/10 – Won the penalty for the opener. Unlucky not to score.
FW Elin Rubensson 6.5/10 – Very aggressive with her pressing. Showed heavy touch too many times though.
Substitutes
MF Lina Hurting 6.8/10 – Played well after coming on.
MF Rebecka Blomqvist 6.9/10 – Dominated in midfield late on.
DF Linda Sembrant N/A
Australia women vs Sweden Match Summary
Sweden flew out of the blocks and only seconds into the game only an instinctive save from Arnold prevented Blackstenius from scoring. The Scandinavians continued to target the shaky Clare Polkinghorne all match.
Only several more saves from Arnold and a few wayward shots prevented the Swedes from taking the lead early on.
The Matildas had a few half chances midway through the period but it was mainly Sweden dominating and forcing the issue. ‘Big Mak’ Arnold had to come up with a few more strong saves before the crossbar saved the Aussies when Rolfo’s header hit it. However, in the build-up to that moment, VAR spotted a clear penalty infringement. From the spot Rolfo was convincing and her goal gave Sweden a richly deserved lead.
It was a small miracle and some brilliant goalkeeping from Arnold that prevented Sweden from extending their lead before the half was over. However, the Swedish pressure only intensified for the resumption and the Matildas looked in serious trouble.
Laying siege on the edge of Australia’s box the Scandinavians kept probing. Eventually, their captain and most influential player Kossovare Asllani made it 2-0.
Australia looked shaken and only a few decisive tackles from Steph Catley and several more brilliant saves by ‘Big Mak’ Arnold prevented an ugly defeat.
The Matildas simply gave up late on and did well to avoid further damage before the game was over. For Sweden this 4th bronze medal from a World Cup.
Player of the Match: Kossovare Asllani
Sweden’s captain Kossovare Asllani pulled the strings in midfield brilliantly for the Scandinavians. Her aggressive counter-pressing from the first minute set the tone. She was heavily involved in most good attacks for Sweden and her goal decided the outcome of the match. Without much hesitation, our Player of the Match award goes to Asllani.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
