Stalemate lifts Aussies through at Sweden’s expense - FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
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| AFP |
Lisa De Vanna netted for the Matildas after just five minutes, and though Sofia Jakobsson equalised just ten minutes later, the Swedes couldn't secure the win they required to beat their opponents to second place in Group D behind USA.
The match was an action-packed affair in the first half, with Sweden coming close on several occasions. Australia nevertheless had the better of a quieter second period, though goalscoring opportunities remained limited.
The contest opened in perfect fashion for Australia as a clever long ball from Laura Alleway caught Sweden flat-footed, and De Vanna raced away to score with a cool finish.
However, Sweden then dominated for a lengthy period highlighted by an equaliser from Jakobsson, who scored with an inch-perfect low strike from 20 metres that crept inside the post
Sweden, as always, looked very dangerous from corners and Amanda Ilestedt directed a header just inches wide of the far post.
Then goalkeeper Lydia Williams came to the Aussies' rescue twice within a minute. First she tipped Caroline Seger’s volley over with a great finger-tip save, and then denied Jakobsson from point-blank range when she seemed set to score.
The second half in contrast was a tamer affair in terms of goalscoring opportunities, though there were several dangerous Australian attacking forays from the likes of Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord.
Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Elise Kellond-Knight (Australia)