Women's Soccer World Cup: Sweden take 3rd place with 2-0 win over hosts Australia

Colombo (News 1st) - Sweden beat hosts Australia 2-0 to take third place in the FIFA Women's Football World Cup 2023 in a furiously battle at the Brisbane Stadium on Saturday (19th), setting the stage for Sunday's long-awaited tournament finale between Spain and European champions England.

Australia's Matildas have captured the hearts of soccer fans around the world with their spirited and professional approach to the game throughout the 32-team World Cup, urged on by home crowds that have filled stadiums wherever they played Down Under. But they came up against a clinically brilliant Swedish side whose defenses they could not penetrate.

Fridolina Rolfo scored off a penalty in the 30th minute to put Sweden ahead after Australia's Clare Polkinghorne kicked the back of Sweden's Stina Blackstenius' foot and brought her down.

Sweden clung on to the slim lead despite the best efforts of the Matildas, until Kosovare Asllani struck in the 62nd minute from just outside the box to make it 2-0.

Spain and England will clash on Sunday at 3:30 pm Sri Lanka time at the Stadium Australia in Sydney.