In a showdown for third place, Sweden emerged triumphant with a resounding 2-0 victory over Australia. The Blagult showcased their prowess on the pitch, securing their position with goals from Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani. As the Women's World Cup journey nears its conclusion, join us in revisiting the thrilling moments of this match and gaining insights into Sweden's exceptional performance as well as Asutralia’s inspiring journey.

Dive into this edition to relive the riveting match highlights and get an intimate look into Fridolina Rolfö journey from Sweden to Germany and now Barcelona where she is part of a star-studded roster.

Sweden vs Australia (2-0)

In the 2023 Women's World Cup third place match, Sweden secured third place by defeating co-hosts Australia 2-0 at Brisbane Stadium. Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani scored goals in each half, ensuring a well-deserved victory for Sweden. Despite both teams fielding unchanged lineups, Australia appeared sluggish and lacking energy against a dominant Swedish side. Australia's Hayley Raso had a notable chance, but Sweden's Zecira Musovic made a smart save. A VAR review led to a penalty for Sweden, converted by Rolfo. Asllani extended Sweden's lead with a clinical counterattack goal. Despite attempts by Australia, Sweden controlled the game comfortably, clinching their fourth third-place finish at a World Cup.

Although Australia's successful tournament ended on a tough note, their wins over Canada, Denmark, and France brought immense joy to the nation and elevated football's status in a country dominated by other sports. Despite the fact that they were marred by what-ifs such as Sam Kerr's fitness and Alanna Kennedy's injuries, Australia's progress prompts hope for increased political support for the sport at all levels. The Matildas' newfound household recognition could potentially serve as a catalyst for football's growth in Australia, contingent upon proactive measures being taken.

Player Spotlight: Fridolina Rolfö

Fridolina Rolfö is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Sweden national team. Her football journey has been marked by remarkable accomplishments and contributions to various teams. Starting her career with Jitex in 2011, she swiftly gained recognition by scoring nine league goals in her debut Damallsvenskan season. Her proficiency on the right wing, allowing her to cut inside and utilize her strong left foot, made her a notable player. She was awarded the 2011 Women's Junior Player of the Year by Göteborgs-Posten.

Rolfö's trajectory continued to ascend as she joined Linköping in 2014, impressively scoring a hat-trick during her UEFA Women's Champions League debut against Liverpool. In 2016, she made a significant move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, consistently finishing as runners-up to VfL Wolfsburg in the league during her three-year stint in Germany. Rolfö's prowess led her to VfL Wolfsburg in 2019, contributing to their title-winning campaign and scoring vital goals, including one that secured a Champions League semifinal victory. Her journey took her to Barcelona in 2021, where she quickly established herself by scoring goals and extending her contract until 2026.

Additionally, Rolfö has represented Sweden in various international tournaments, contributing to victories such as the 2011–12 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship and securing a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Her notable performances in the 2019 World Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympics further solidify her status as a dynamic and impactful player.