​Women's Olympic Football: Sweden battle to final in narrow win against Australia | OneFootball

Icon: Tribal Football

Tribal Football

·2 August 2021

​Women's Olympic Football: Sweden battle to final in narrow win against Australia

Article image:​Women's Olympic Football: Sweden battle to final in narrow win against Australia

Sweden will play Canada in Friday's Olympic Women's Final after being made to work hard for their 1-0 success against Australia.

Sweden were always favourite for this semi-final clash after defeating the Matildas 4-2 in the group stages and so it proved although their opponents did have their moments particularly in the final 15 minutes at the end of each half.


OneFootball Videos


Sam Kerr did have the ball in the net for Australia late in the first period but it was disallowed for an infringement in the penalty area and then in the final minute of injury time with the Matildas tiring Ellie Carpenter was dismissed for pulling back Lina Hurtig when clean through on goal.

Sweden began the game strongly and dominated possession with Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius both going close but the nearest they came to a goal was when Fridolina Rolfo hammered a shot from distance against the crossbar on 24 minutes.

But as the first half progressed Australia began to exert themselves and cause Sweden problems. Kerr was first to the ball ahead of Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl but was forced too far wide for a goal scoring opportunity.

Alanna Kennedy forced Lindahl into a smart save, then Kerr had her effort disallowed before the Chelsea striker glanced a header wide with the keeper stranded.

But Australia were caught cold within a minute of the restart. A deflected shot spun wickedly in front of keeper Teagan Micah who could only push the ball onto the woodwork were Rolfo was first to react and hook the ball into the net.

Sweden took confidence from this and bossed the game for long periods as the Matildas struggled to trouble the Swedish defence although a Kerr header did force a save from the keeper.

With the affects of extra time in the quarter final clearly affecting the Aussies fitness levels a triple substitution gave them added impetus.

But all their late pressure had to show was a Steph Cately effort at the far post which Lindahl pushed behind. The late red card summed up Australia's frustrating night who will now play the USA on Thursday for the bronze medal place.

Sweden eventually lived up to their billing as one of the tournaments best teams and will take their place in their second consecutive Olympic gold medal game (Silver in 2016) against Canada.

Full Time

Australia: 0

Sweden: 1 (Rolfo 46)

Venue: International Stadium, Yokohama

View publisher imprint