Rolfö and Asllani punish hosts to give Sweden bronze

There was no consolation prize for the co-host of the 2023 Women’s World Cup - at least not as far as medals are concerned. Because this Australia side, which boasts more followers on social media than the men’s team, which has smashed every record for shirts sales, filled stadiums and pulverized audience figures, can be more than proud of how this tournament has gone. The only sour note were their results at the latter stage of the competition.

As in the semi-finals against England, the Matildas were beaten - this time by Sweden, but their fans supported them right until the end at Brisbane Stadium. The tears of these last two defeats will be open doors for the country’s girls and young people tomorrow. Likewise in Sweden. A fourth intercontinental bronze for the Scandinavians with the crown evading them once again. Rolfö, from the penalty spot, and Asllani, with a brilliant finish, gave their team victory and third place on the podium.

The atmosphere was buzzing - just that of a final: a packed stadium and both teams fielding their strongest starting XIs. There was not a single change regarding the starting teams that Gedhardsson and Gustavsson presented in the semi-finals. They wanted the bronze medal. The Swedes, with their compact block, took control from the start and gave Arnold and early scare. Australia’s quick transitions didn’t quite work: Angeldal and Rubensson were a buffer in the middle. And Rolfö, on the left, looked lethal. It was a great game from the Barcelona player to end the World Cup with at least some consolation. They wanted to be protagonists and they were going to achieve it.

Musovic saves

Raso’s great chance for the Matildas in the 23rd minute was just a mirage. Foord was not particularly inspired and Sam Kerr, almost gone. Musovic, however, once again showed why she has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament by denying the new Real Madrid winger. Her tournament has also been sensational. And Madrid fans would surely love to see her at the Di Stéfano...

But just after that occasion came the action that decided the clash. Blackstenius fell in the area in a move that ended up being finished off by Rolfö. It was a clear scoring chance - and a stonewall penalty. Foster went to the VAR to review it and a spot-kick was given. The Barcelona player blocked out the whistles to tuck the ball inside the post. Sweden in the lead and deservedly so.

Rolfö came close to doubling the lead and Arnold saved another very clear chance from Angelsal. As they have done throughout this World Cup, Sweden posed danger from set pieces but the ball just wouldn’t go in and it looked like the game would have a tight finish - that is until Asllani appeared...

Asllani makes it 2-0

In a brisk counterattack, the captain played a one-two with Blackstenius, then fired a glorious, first-time strike in from the D. Sweden obtained its fourth world bronze and left Sam Kerr’s Australia without consolation.

For the Fowlers, Foords, Carpenters and company, everything will seem dark now, but in a few hours they will be able to raise their heads again. They made an entire country dream. And their feat will help many girls make their wishes come true in the future. Also the children. And that’s what football is all about.