After four weeks of football, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is set to come to a close this weekend. But before fans tune into the grand finale on Sunday featuring Spain and England, there is another key game that will be taking place about 24 hours earlier.
Sweden and Australia will lock horns in Brisbane on Saturday as the two sides hope to at least conclude their respective World Cups with a medal. It's set to be an interesting match, especially for Australia, who served as co-hosts of this competition along with New Zealand and thus will be cheered on by legions of home supporters.
Here's four interesting stats and facts ahead of Sweden vs. Australia.
1. Sweden's perfect record in this game...
Sweden are just one of a few teams to have featured at every single World Cup since the tournament started in 1991, so it's no surprise that the Blågult are quite familiar with the latter stages of the competition. Although they have yet to win a World Cup title, with their best result being a runners-up medal back in 2003, Sweden have enjoyed success in the consolation match over the years.
To date, the Blågult have featured in three third place games - in 1991, 2011, and 2019 - and have won every single one of those prior ties. While that record alone could give them the added edge, they will be playing in front of a largely pro-Australia crowd and will be facing a Matildas side determined to cap off their historic World Cup run on a high note.
2. ...but in appearing in this match on Saturday, Sweden have set a rather unpleasant record
The fact that Sweden will be featuring in their fourth third-place game certainly will leave a bitter taste in many fans' mouths, especially considering that the team have repeatedly come close to making it to the final, only to fall short at the last hurdle.
Indeed, Sweden's fourth appearance in Saturday's third-placed game means that the Blågult have achieved a rather unpleasant record - regardless of whether they win or lose against Australia. No team have been eliminated at the semi-finals stage as many times as Sweden, who have been beaten at this juncture in 1991, 2011, 2019, and now, 2023.
3. Australia in unchartered territory
The eyes of an entire nation will be on Australia on Saturday as the Matildas will look to achieve a huge new milestone: to win a World Cup medal. To date, no Australian team - whether it be the men's or women's side - have ever featured in a third-placed match, meaning that Sam Kerr and her colleagues could become the first Australian team to win a medal at a World Cup in national history.
4. Game is likely to be decided within regular time...
...at least, statistically based on prior third-place games. To date, only one of the last eight third-place games has had to go to penalties. That was back in 1999, when Brazil and Norway were unable to find a way past each other and ultimately Brazil clinched bronze after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out.
In addition, all but two games have been decided within the regular 90 minutes, with only the aforementioned penalty shootout and the 2015 tie between England and Germany needing extra time.
Looking forward to what should be an interesting game? Here's all you need to know ahead of Saturday's tie featuring Sweden and Australia, including broadcast listings, preview, team news, and more.
