Bittersweet. That's probably the best way to describe the third-placed match at the World Cup, which is also referred to as the consolation tie. For while there is the opportunity to win some silverware, it's not the coveted prize that all teams who compete in this tournament are seeking, which will be awarded after the showpiece final on Sunday.
However, a medal is better than nothing, and hence, both Sweden and Australia will be keen on finishing their respective tournaments on a high note when they face off in the third-placed game on Saturday. For Australia, this also will present a chance to make history. Until now, the Matildas had never gotten to a semi-final, and as co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, have enjoyed playing on home turf in front of legions of supporting fans.
The Matildas were dealt a huge blow at the start of this competition due to an injury to star striker Sam Kerr, which did affect them during their group stage campaign. Yet, they nonetheless managed to finish top of their group with two wins over Ireland and Canada that rendered their 3-2 defeat to Nigeria a non-deciding factor. After seeing off Denmark 2-0, Australia were pitted against France, who were widely viewed as a huge contender to win the title this summer.
Not only did Australia hold France at bay for 120 minutes, but they showed great fortitude to successfully navigate their way through a record-breaking penalty shoot-out that featured 20 penalties between the two teams. In winning that contest 7-6, Australia had achieved a new milestone: they were into the semi-finals for the first time in history.
In a highly-charged match against England, Australia put up a brave fight, but despite Sam Kerr scoring arguably one of the best goals of the competition to equalizer, the Matildas were eventually overrun as they ended up losing 3-1. Still, it's been an impressive run for Australia, and the Matildas will have a huge chance to add another chapter to their story should they beat Sweden in the third-placed match on Saturday.
Naturally, it will be much easier said than done. Sweden have been one of the strongest teams in this competition, first cruising through the group stages to win all three matches against South Africa, Italy, and Argentina, before knocking out the USWNT, who were the reigning champions in the round of 16.
Shot-stopper Zećira Mušović made a record-setting 11 saves to keep the scores level over 120 minutes and push the tie to penalties, which was literally decided by mere millimeters. After knocking out one reigning champions, the Blågult also did likewise to 2011 Women's World Cup winners Japan, successfully nullifying their counter-attacking strategy to win their quarter-finals tie 2-1 and set up an intriguing clash against Spain in the semi-finals.
Spain, however, proved to be a much tougher opponent, with Olga Carmona's late goal being enough to deny Sweden a chance to feature in their first final since 2003 following a 2-1 defeat. This will be the second consecutive Women's World Cup in which the Blågult are featuring in the third-placed match, and overall, their fourth appearance.
To date, Sweden have won their past three third-place matches, but they will be facing an Australia side who will be cheered on by thousands at the stadiums and many more around the world. Will the Blågult be able to retain their 100 per cent winning record in this consolation game? Or will the Matildas cap off a historic World Cup tournament by winning their first ever medal?
Team news: Sweden vs Australia
*All info as of August 17, 2023
Sweden: Sweden had no injury, illness, or suspension concerns heading into their semi-finals match against Spain, and as of now, it appears that they will have a full-strength team available for Saturday's game.
Australia: Given that Sam Kerr played the full match during Australia's semi-finals clash, it remains to be seen whether the Chelsea ace, who came into this competition with a calf injury, will also feature for the full game on Saturday. Meanwhile, Alanna Kennedy missed out on the semi-finals game due to a concussion and will not feature in this upcoming match.
Match facts: Sweden vs Australia
- Australia are into this stage at a World Cup for the first time in history (for both men's and women's teams)
- Sweden have featured in the third-placed match three times previously (1991, 2011, and 2019) and have won all three of those games
- Sweden and Australia have met 15 times previously, with Sweden's record being (W9 D4 L2)...
- ...however, Australia won the most recent meeting between the two sides 4-0 last November
Broadcast info: Sweden vs Australia
How can I watch Sweden vs Australia live?
USA: Many fans in the USA looking to watch this one live by now have probably gotten used to the very early wake-up times. Sweden vs Australia kicks off at 4 AM EST (1 AM PST), and as always, there are plenty of choices for fans to choose from.
These options include catching the game on TV via FOX, while FOX Sports App provides an on-the-go choice and the match can also be streamed via Foxsports.com or Peacock.
For Spanish-speakers, they can check out Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, as well as UNIVERSO and UNIVERSO NOW.
In addition, FuboTV and Sling TV offer additional live-streaming services, with Fox Sports 1 available on both FuboTV and Sling TV, while Spanish-speakers also will find their channels available on FuboTV.
Finally, SiriusXM FC provides another way to follow the game via radio if that's your preference.
Sweden: Viewers in Sweden can follow the game either via TV through TV6 Sweden or via live-streaming through Viaplay Sweden.
Australia: Fans in Australia (those not at the match, of course), can cheer on the Matildas as they hope to win a first-ever World Cup medal via Optus Sport.
Live elsewhere? Here's how you can watch Sweden vs Australia live from wherever you are based:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
