Sweden vs Australia: A bittersweet match upcoming for World Cup co-hosts

Bittersweet is the best word to describe the third-placed match at the World Cup. Often referred to as the consolation tie, it’s really just that: a match featuring the two losing sides from the semi-finals. It’s probably a way to help the teams who failed to make it to the final an opportunity to make history and win third place, but the disappointment of not featuring in the showpiece game on Sunday will still be keenly felt by both Sweden and Australia this Saturday.

For Australia, this game indeed will present a chance to make history. Until now, the Matildas had never gotten to a semi-final, and as co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, have enjoyed playing on home turf in front of legions of supporting fans.

The Matildas were dealt a huge blow at the start of this competition due to an injury to star striker Sam Kerr, which did affect them during their group stage campaign. Yet, they nonetheless managed to finish top of their group with two 1-0 and 4-0 wins over Ireland and Canada that rendered their 3-2 defeat to Nigeria a non-deciding factor. After seeing off Denmark 2-0, Australia were paired France in the quarter-finals, who were widely viewed as a huge contender to win the title this summer – especially following the USWNT’s crashing out in the round of 16.

Not only did Australia hold France at bay for 120 minutes, but they showed great fortitude to successfully navigate their way through a record-breaking penalty shoot-out that featured 20 penalties between the two teams. In winning that contest 7-6, Australia had achieved a new milestone: they were into the semi-finals for the first time in history.

In a highly-charged match against England, Australia put up a brave fight, but despite Sam Kerr scoring arguably one of the best goals of the competition to equalizer, the Matildas were eventually overrun as they ended up losing 3-1. Still, it’s been an impressive run for Australia, and the Matildas will have a huge chance to add another chapter to their story should they beat Sweden in the third-placed match on Saturday.

Of course,  it will be much easier said than done. Sweden have been one of the strongest teams in this competition, first cruising through the group stages to win all three matches against South Africa, Italy, and Argentina, before knocking out the USWNT, who were the reigning champions in the round of 16.

Shot-stopper Zećira Mušović made a record-setting 11 saves to keep the scores level over 120 minutes and push the tie to penalties, which was literally decided by mere millimeters. After knocking out one reigning champions, the Blågult also did likewise to 2011 Women’s World Cup winners Japan, successfully nullifying their counter-attacking strategy to win their quarter-finals tie 2-1 and set up an intriguing clash against Spain in the semi-finals.

Spain, however, proved to be a much tougher opponent, with Olga Carmona’s late goal being enough to deny Sweden a chance to feature in their first final since 2003 following a 2-1 defeat. This will be the second consecutive Women’s World Cup in which the Blågult are featuring in the third-placed match, and overall, their fourth appearance.

To date, Sweden have won their last three third-place matches, but they will be facing an Australia side who will be cheered on by thousands at the stadiums and many more around the world. Will the Blågult be able to retain their perfect winning record in this consolation game? Or will the Matildas cap off a historic World Cup tournament by winning their first ever medal?