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Matildas lose third-placed playoff to Sweden, but have ‘won our hearts’

The Matildas may not have won the third-placed playoff but Australia is still behind the side who’s achieved something never seen before.

Andrew McMurtryAndrew McMurtry
@AndrewMcMurtry
11 min read
August 19, 2023 - 9:03PM
Sweden was awarded a penalty. Picture: Supplied
Sweden was awarded a penalty. Picture: Supplied

The result may not have been what we wanted but Australia has shown its love for the Matildas, who have finished a historic fourth in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Coming into the tournament, Australia was ranked 10th but it’s taken a 2-0 loss to World No. 3 Sweden in the third-place playoff to finally end the Matildas’ historic charge.

Having just two days between their heartbreaking loss to the England in the semi-final on Wednesday, it was always going to be a big ask to back up against their world-class opponents.

And Sweden proved as much, claiming a 2-0 win to claim the bronze medal and relegate the Matildas to fourth.

While the Matildas go home empty-handed, they have achieved something truly remarkable.

Record crowds and TV viewership as well as uniting the nation around the side’s outstanding semi-final run has ignited soccer in this country.

Socceroos legend Craig Foster tweeted after the bronze-medal match: “Congrats Sweden, too good tonight.

“And @TheMatildas for Australia’s greatest ever World Cup result.

“What a ride it’s been.

“One of the most beautiful months of our lives & transformative times for our country.

“Let’s do it again.

“And again.”

It’s tough right now but Australia still loves you Matildas. Photo: Adam Head
It’s tough right now but Australia still loves you Matildas. Photo: Adam Head

There were plenty more fans who wanted to give the Matildas their due for their performance, which has transcended the on-field results.

The Matildas came into the match with a steely resolve but Sweden were more than willing.

The Swedes dominated the early exchanges, but it was the wake up call the Matildas needed as the momentum began to shift midway through the half.

But in the 30th minute, the Swedes were given a penalty after Clare Hunt tripped Stina Blackstenius in the box.

Sweden was awarded a penalty. Picture: Supplied
Sweden was awarded a penalty. Picture: Supplied

It was little more than an accidental trip but the Swedes called for the penalty.

Despite no call on-field, after a VAR check, the Swedes were awarded the penalty shot.

It sparked plenty of debate, particularly between the Aussies.

“There’s no malice in the challenge but this is the determination the referee has to make,” Grace Gill admitted on Channel 7.

Gill called the penalty “soft” while David Basheer added the Aussies will feel “hard done by”.

Simon Hill said on Optus Sport: “Australia don’t like it.”

Former Matilda Ash Sykes called the contact as “clumsy” but questioned if it was really worth a penalty shot.

“It was sort of heartbreaking wasn’t it?” she said on Optus Sport.

“They came out strong Sweden, they’ve played well, they’ve had the better off the first half I’d say. It’s unfortunate, the Aussies just getting back into and this sort of slightly clumsy challenge from Clare Hunt.

“But I tell you what, I’m not sure that free kick is given anywhere else on the field in general play. It does feel a little bit hard done by.”

Ex-US World Cup winner Jessica McDonald said she didn’t believe Hunt needed to be as close as she was and should have maintained her distance to keep Blackstenius at bay.

Frindolina Rolfo made no mistake, beating Mackenzie Arnold, despite the Aussie shotstopper choosing the right direction.

From there, the game just became more physical, which appeared to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Australia.

Thank you Matildas. Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Thank you Matildas. Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The Matildas topped their group but only after beating Canada in the final game of the stage in what was a sudden death match. From there was the knockout stages.

Sweden on the other hand was able to rest players in its final group match.

In the 62nd minute, Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani booted home the winner from the edge of the box, sealing the nation’s fourth World Cup bronze medal.

Although Australia fought hard for a goal to get back in the match, they couldn’t break down the Swedish defence.

But while they may not have won on the scoreboard, what the Matildas achieved over the past month will hopefully be much more valuable in the long run than a bronze medal.

7.43pm — Sam Kerr goes down

Australia couldn’t really afford anything else to go wrong with just over 10 minutes remaining, so Sam Kerr going down clutching the back of her leg after a heavy tackle was not ideal.

While it was not a good look initially, Kerr was able to walk off the field and even gingerly run back on.

Kerr was feeling it. Photo by Matt Roberts – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Kerr was feeling it. Photo by Matt Roberts – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

7.28pm — Sweden score again, break Aussie hearts

Sweden have scored for a second time to drive a knife right into the hearts of the Aussies as captain Kosovare Asllani booted home the goal to double the scoreline.

The 62nd minute strike has left Australia needing at least two goals to send it to extra-time.

After Asllani slipped a beautiful ball through to Blackstenius, the forward passed back to Asllani on the edge of the box who nailed the strike past Mackenzie Arnold.

“It’s a dagger blow for Australia in the second half,” David Basheer said on 7.

6.56pm – Half ends in fiery scenes

Sweden have taken a 1-0 lead to the halftime break after penalty drama in the 30th minute but it’s getting heated out in the middle of Suncorp Stadium.

Deep into injury time, Katrina Gorry was passed the ball, only to be taken down in a clear two-handed push from Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani.

It saw the players square up and have to be cautioned by the referee.

Gorry won’t back down. Pics Adam Head
Gorry won’t back down. Pics Adam Head
Asllani caught red handed. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Asllani caught red handed. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

But seconds later, after Sam Kerr blasted a shot into the Swedish keeper, Asllani was in the thick of it again, crashing into Caitlin Foord in a heavy hit that left both women worse for wear.

The hit looked like an AFL-style bump with Asllani jumping after clearing the ball and coming into contact with Foord.

It was a brutal finish to the first half. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
It was a brutal finish to the first half. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

6.31pm – Sweden score amid VAR drama

The Matildas will have to come from behind to claim the World Cup bronze medal after Sweden were handed a penalty shot by the VAR.

In the box, Clare Hunt clipped the back foot of Stina Blackstenius as they chased the ball.

It was little more than accidental but the Swedes called for the penalty.

Despite no call on-field, after a VAR check, the Swedes were awarded the penalty shot.

“There’s no malice in the challenge but this is the determination the referee has to make,” Grace Gill admitted on Channel 7.

Gill called the penalty “soft” while David Basheer added the Aussies will feel “hard done by”.

Simon Hill said on Optus Sport: “Australia don’t like it.”

Former Matilda Ash Sykes called the contact as “clumsy” but questioned if it was really worth a penalty shot.

“It was sort of heartbreaking wasn’t it?” she said on Optus Sport.

“They came out strong Sweden, they’ve played well, they’ve had the better off the first half I’d say. It’s unfortunate, the Aussies just getting back into and this sort of slightly clumsy challenge from Clare Hunt.

“But I tell you what, I’m not sure that free kick is given anywhere else on the field in general play. It does feel a little bit hard done by.”

Ex-US World Cup winner Jessica McDonald said she didn’t believe Hunt needed to be as close as she was and should have maintained her distance to keep Blackstenius at bay.

Sweden was awarded a penalty. Picture: Supplied
Sweden was awarded a penalty. Picture: Supplied

That much was clear as the boos rang out across Suncorp Stadium.

But Frindolina Rolfo made no mistake, beating Mackenzie Arnold, despite the Aussie shotstopper choosing the right direction.

It’s never a good time for a goal but will hurt even more after the Matildas shifted the momentum with some positive attacking play.

6.16pm – Sweden’s bright start

The body language is completely different from the opening as they were outplayed by Sweden,” David Basheer said.

6.16pm – Sweden’s bright start

Sweden have been to the third place playoff at World Cup’s three times previously and have won them all.

And the side looks like they know how to do it as they’ve started brightly against AustAsia.

While no early goals, Sweden have 76 per cent of possession through 15 minutes and have made 97 passes to 28.

6.02pm – Matildas history still on the line

To be honest, whatever happens in this game, the Matildas have already made history just by stepping onto the field tonight.

But with a win, the Matildas would claim a first medal at a World Cup.

C’mon Matildas, you can do it!

And here we go!

5.30pm – Matildas ad gives Australia all the feels

The past month of the Women’s World Cup has had Australia behind the Matildas like few sporting teams have every had.

They had us laugh and cheer. They’ve had us cry tears of joy and heartbreak. And they’ve given Australia memories and will leave a legacy that will linger on for generations to come.

But while it may seem like it was an overnight success that saw everyone jump on the bandwagon, it’s been anything by easy for the Matildas.

Aussie comedian Charlie Pickering posted an ad under the Matildas’ ‘Til It’s Done campaign showing just how far they’ve come.

Covering the first Australian women’s team back in 1978 — ‘Til our very first international match’ — to ‘qualify for a World Cup’ to ‘we’re voted Australia’s favourite team’ and everything in between, there was plenty of history behind the Matildas.

Ticking off all their achievements in the Matildas history and with “we get our fair share of the funding”, “we’re paid the same”, “we bring it at the Paris Olympics” and “we go all the way in 2027” still to tick off, it shows the bandwagon is still driving forward.

Pickering posted: “We don’t deserve the @TheMatildas”.

SMH reporter Vince Rugari commented: “This is quite beautiful”.

Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles added: “Love this. So very much”.

5.20pm – Matildas name unchanged line up

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has named an unchanged line up for the third placed playoff against Sweden.

It means Sam Kerr will be starting for the Matildas and will wear the captain’s armband as the side looks to avoid going home empty-handed.

Sweden have also stuck with the same team that lost 2-1 to Spain on Tuesday.

5.15pm – Sam Kerr gestures are just too good

In Sam Kerr’s wake, Steph Catley proved to be the perfect leader to inspire the Matildas.

But there’s a reason the defender handed the captain’s armband to Kerr when she finally made her first appearance against Denmark — Kerr is something else.

While she showed how to lead from the front on the field with that goal against England in the semi-final loss, Kerr has since shown her leadership skills off the field.

All of Australia had the same vibe after the England loss, but Kerr was quick to wrap her arms around her teammates.

Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry teased retirement after the semi-final loss, which also marked her 100th game for Australia.

Despite the loss, the Matildas got together and celebrated the achievement with Kerr delivering an emotional speech and a commemorative jersey.

“Yesterday was Mini’s 100th game,” Kerr said, while holding onto and looking at the jersey.

“You should be really proud of your journey.

“I know (that) you yourself know it’s been a rollercoaster ride.

“We are so happy to have you back in the team and you have been an absolute superstar since you have come back.”

Gorry had stepped away from football three years ago when she was pregnant with her now-two-year-old daughter.

After 23-year-old defender Ellie Carpenter was targeted by trolls after the semi-final, Kerr wrapped her arms around her teammate.

“With Ellie, people probably see how physically strong she is but she’s mentally one of the toughest kids I’ve ever met in my life,” Kerr told reporters ahead of their clash against Sweden on Saturday.

“She’s an amazing part of this team and the good thing about playing a team sport is it’s never one person’s fault, or it’s never one person that made the team win.

“Without Ellie, our whole team plan probably changes. She’s such an amazing player for us, and no-one in our team for one second has ever thought anything was Ellie’s fault and I don’t think Ellie thinks that and I don’t think anyone should think that because there’s 90 minutes in a football match.

“And I mean, if we talked about all the mistakes we could go for days, that’s football. But no, Ellie’s a strong kid. She’s an amazing person. She’s an amazing human on and off the park. She’s a big part for us. She bounced back and the team got around her but she’s a strong kid. She knows how to deal with her things.”

This is why we love Sam Kerr. Photo: Getty Images
This is why we love Sam Kerr. Photo: Getty Images

While it clearly hurts that the Matildas were so close and yet so far but it takes a true leader to get your players back up to fight for third.

4.40pm – The odds are with Sweden

Australia may be at home but the punters are predicting Sweden will come away with the bronze medal.

In a tale of the tape, you’d have to back Sweden — 3rd Vs 10th in the World rankings and Olympic silver medallists.

But with an entire nation wanting Australia to claim the bronze, it may prove to be the difference at Suncorp Stadium.

Sweden at $2.40 on TAB with Australia $2.80 and $3.50 for the teams to be drawn at the end of 90 minutes.

Sweden are also $1.75 to claim third place, with Australia at $2.05.

4.20pm – Matildas forced to wear ‘away’ jersey

The Matildas may be a host nation of the World Cup but they will have to wear their alternative strip for their final game of the tournament on home soil.

Sunrise sport presenter Mark Beretta explained Sweden will get to wear their yellow jersey and Australia will wear turquoise, as they did against Canada earlier in the group stages, because of the section of the draw the two teams were in.

“Because Australia were in the bottom part of the FIFA women’s World Cup draw and Sweden were in the top part of the draw, Sweden becomes the ‘home’ team for tomorrow’s third place game in Brisbane,” Beretta tweeted.

“Sweden’s home kit is yellow, so Australia will play in their turquoise away kit.”

The Matildas will be wearing turquoise. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
The Matildas will be wearing turquoise. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
As Sweden get to wear yellow. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)
As Sweden get to wear yellow. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

The Matildas not being allowed to wear their iconic yellow jersey might be tough to swallow, but it’s worth noting the Aussies played their best football of the World Cup in their blue away jersey in the 4-0 win over Canada.

4.15pm – Intrigue over team selection

The Matildas will again be without centre back Alanna Kennedy, who missed the semi-final due to “illness”.

But it was clarified that delayed concussion was the reason for her absence against England and she will also miss the clash with Sweden.

Coach Tony Gustavsson has been criticised for his minimal use of substitutes throughout the tournament and it will be intriguing to see if he goes to his bench more against Sweden.

How to watch Australia vs Sweden game

The third place playoff kicks off at 6pm AEST. You can watch it on Channel 7 or stream it via 7plus.

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Originally published as Matildas lose third-placed playoff to Sweden, but have ‘won our hearts’

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/matildas-vs-sweden-third-place-playoff-live/news-story/3bdba82a51d99daaf82dc5779cd0a910