Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and their Matildas’ teammates must have hoped to end their brilliant World Cup run with at least a medal after failing to make it to the final. After losing to the Lionesses in the semi-finals last Wednesday, they had a shot at finishing third but had to beat Sweden for it. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan as they again lost to Sweden 2-0 to finish a disappointing third and out of the medal bracket.
The Swedes, with Arsenal’s Amanda Ilestedt, Lina Hurtig, and Stina Blackstenius, were unforgiving against the hosts, Australia, in the World Cup third-place play-offs. Moments into the 30th minute of the game, Matildas’ Clare Hunt was judged to have tripped Lina Hurtig, which saw the Blågult being given a penalty that Fridolina Rolfo converted. In the second half, Blackstenius again held the ball up in the area before setting up Kosovare Asllani with a precise pass, who struck superbly past Arnold to increase Sweden’s lead to 2-0.
The Matildas failed to pull off a comeback, the game ending 2-0. After the game, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr expressed her disappointment about losing the third-place play-off, saying, “We’re really disappointed,” Kerr told reporters. “Fourth again. It feels like the worst position to come. “But as a whole, the whole tournament, we have to be really proud.”
Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, who played every minute of the World Cup for Australia — you made every Gooner proud.
As for Amanda Ilestedt, Lina Hurtig, and Stina Blackstenius, congratulations.
Michelle Maxwell
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Congrats regardless, now back to base.WELL DONE Spain, vamooooooos!!!! 👏
Bronze…not a popular word among football supporters in England right now😱