Kosovare Asllani’s stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden as they beat co-hosts, Australia, to finish third at the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup.
She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo’s first-half penalty as Sweden won the bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession.
Despite the defeat, this represents co-hosts Australia’s best ever World Cup finish as their efforts in the tournament have captured the hearts of the fans in green and gold but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.
Rolfo’s penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson’s side the lead after a video assistant referee (VAR) check confirmed that Claire Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius in the box after 26 minutes.
And on the hour mark, Blackstenius played a superb square ball to Asllani, who stroked in a first-time shot to double their lead.
Fridolina Rolfo dispatched her penalty to give Sweden the lead.
Kosovare Asslani doubled Sweden’s lead with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.
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