Sweden and Australia must put their semi-final disappointment behind them when they meet in the Women’s World Cup third-place play-off.
It has been Sweden who have finished third in two of the last three World Cups, and they once again are involved in this fixture after they were beaten in the last-four by Spain. Olga Carmona stepped up with the dramatic late winner to send her country through to a first World Cup final and leave Sweden competing for bronze.
Co-hosts Australia had their bid for glory on home soil ended by England, who produced a superb display to win that semi-final clash 3-1 in Sydney. Sam Kerr scored a stunning equaliser in that match, but it was not enough for the Matildas.
Australia had never previously made it beyond the quarter-finals and will be determined to end what has been a hugely positive tournament both on and off the pitch in successful fashion.
Date, kick-off time and venue
The Women’s World Cup third-place play-off between Sweden and Australia is scheduled for a 9am BST kick-off on Saturday August 19, 2023.
The match will take place at Lang Park in Brisbane.
Where to watch Sweden vs Australia
TV channel: In the UK, the final will be televised live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 8:30am BST.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live and for free online via the ITV website, plus the iPlayer app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Sweden vs Australia team news
Sweden had a fully fit squad against Spain and did not appear to pick up any injury issues in that match, so Peter Gerhardsson should have plenty of options to choose from once again.
For Australia, Alanna Kennedy missed out on the squad against England due to illness and it remains to be seen whether she recovers in time to face Sweden.
Sam Kerr played the full 90 minutes in the semi-final defeat as she made her first start of the tournament and so may return to the bench should Australia look to avoid any injury setbacks.
Sweden vs Australia prediction
This fixture often comes down to who is able to recover best from a semi-final defeat and it could be Australia who do so, with the added motivation of delivering in front of their home fans.
Sweden’s matches in the knockout stages have been particularly cagey, but this will hopefully be a more entertaining affair with the pressure somewhat off both sides.
We’re going for the Matildas to just about come out on top, for what would comfortably be their best ever World Cup finish.
Australia to win, 2-1.
Sweden vs Australia match odds
Sweden to finish third: Evens
Australia to finish third: 4/5
Draw (in 90 mins): 11/5
