Asllani’s bullet bags Bronze Medal for Sweden | OneFootball

Sweden claimed third place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia in front of a packed out crowd in Sydney this morning.

The Swedes’ victory against the tournament co-hosts at Stadium Australia has seen them win their fourth Bronze Medal at a FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

Sweden dominated possession in a lively and physical first half, applying pressure early on through Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius in attack. Australia went close after 20 minutes, as Ellie Carpenter’s cross found Hayley Raso on the edge of the six-yard box, however, the Real Madrid winger’s right-footed shot was kept out by Chelsea’s Zećira Mušović at the near post.

Sweden broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Blackstenius was clipped on the edge of the box by Clare Hunt. Fridolina Rolfö’s spot kick went beyond Mackenzie Arnold’s fingertips to put the visitors in front.

After the break, Australia struggled to find a response despite continued pressure.  Sweden doubled their lead through a well worked counter-attack which was finished off by Kosovare Asllani on the 60-minute mark. The AC Milan forward rifled her effort beyond Arnold and into the bottom right corner to cement the Swedes’ lead.

Australia almost got one back with 20 minutes to go. Sweden failed to clear the danger from a cross, allowing Clare Polkinghorne to shoot from point blank range. Again, Mušović came to her side’s rescue to deny the co-hosts.

Despite the loss, Australia end the tournament with their highest-ever finish at a FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in fourth place.