Sweden and Australia will battle it out for the bronze medal at the Women’s World Cup when they clash in the third-place playoff at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
The Swedes were knocked out by Spain in the previous round, while the Aussies suffered semi-final heartache against England.
We meet 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻... 👊🔥#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TIlitsDone pic.twitter.com/5OcoKX50am— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 16, 2023
We meet 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻... 👊🔥#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TIlitsDone pic.twitter.com/5OcoKX50am
Can host nation Australia finish their World Cup journey on a high note? Or will Sweden claim their fourth third-place finish in World Cup history?
Sweden took nine points from a possible nine during the group stage, defeating South Africa (2-1), Italy (5-0) and Argentina (2-0).
After knocking out the United States on penalties in the round of 16, the Swedes secured a 2-1 victory over Japan to book their place in the semi-finals.
However, their World Cup journey came to an end on Tuesday as suffered a 2-1 defeat against Spain, despite equalising in the 88th minute through Rebecka Blomqvist.
Having already won three third-place playoffs in 1991, 2011 and 2019, the Swedes will back themselves to triumph on Saturday.
As for Australia, they kicked off their campaign by taking six points from a possible nine in Group B, defeating Ireland (1-0) and Canada (4-0) while losing to Nigeria (3-2).
The Matildas then claimed a 2-0 victory over Denmark in the last 16 before securing a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout win against France in the quarter-finals.
Sadly, the host nation’s journey ended in the semi-finals, as reigning European champions England defeated Australia 3-1 in Sydney.
That said, the Aussies can be extremely proud of their achievements in their home World Cup and will be desperate to end the tournament by clinching third place.
Head-to-head: Australia thrashed Sweden 4-0 in a friendly back in November 2022, recording their first-ever victory in this fixture.
Indeed, the Matildas have managed to win just one of their 10 previous meetings with the Swedes, suffering six defeats along the way.
Team news: Sweden’s Amanda Ilestedt has scored four goals Down Under and could claim the Golden Boot if she adds to her tally on Saturday.
With star striker Sam Kerr back in action following an injury layoff, Australia will be able to field a full-strength starting XI this weekend.
Given Sweden’s World Cup history, the European side are expected to overcome the hosts in the third-place playoff.
Forebet predicts that Sweden will claim the bronze medal at the expense of Australia, with the Swedes scoring over 1.5 goals en route to victory.