Sweden scored either side of half-time to spoil Australia's party and claim third spot at the&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;with a 2-0 win in Brisbane on Saturday.

In front of a crowd of nearly 50,000, Sweden took the lead with a 30th-minute penalty by Fridolina Rolfo and doubled their advantage with a powerful strike from Kosovare Asllani just after the hour.

Ranked third in the&nbsp;world, this is the fourth time that Sweden have finished third at the tournament.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-we-spent-what-chelsea-spent-in-last-two-transfer-windows-you-would-kill-me-pep-guardiola-tells-media-626975">If we spent what Chelsea spent in last two transfer windows, you would kill me: Pep Guardiola tells media</a>

They fully deserved their win against the hosts, dominating the midfield and keeping talismanic Australian striker Sam Kerr relatively quiet.

Australia's other dangerous attacker, Mary Fowler, had a night to forget as she struggled physically against the size and power of the Swedish defenders.

By contrast, Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius caused havoc among the Australian defence during her 63 minutes on the pitch and had a hand in both goals.

The Swedes opened the match with far more intent than the Matildas and dominated for most of the first period.

Playing a bit like England in their 3-1 semi-final win over the Matildas on Wednesday, the Swedes slowed the ball down and controlled the midfield.

Australia only really looked dangerous on the transition and for much of the time they seemed to be chasing shadows, struggling to get any meaningful possession.

The Swedes had a golden chance to take the lead in the first 60 seconds when Blackstenius shot low across goal.

Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who had another excellent night, parried the ball away and Ellie Carpenter did well to clear from in front of an open goal.

The Matildas didn't have their first shot until the 24th minute when a Hayley Raso drive drew a good save from Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic.

But minutes later Sweden took the lead when VAR ruled that Clare Hunt had clipped Blackstenius's heel after yet another dangerous run into the box from the Swedish striker.

Australian coach Tony Gustavsson made an attacking change on the 60-minute mark, bringing on Emily van Egmond and Cortnee Vine, but it was Sweden who continued to control the match.

They went some way to silencing the sell-out crowd when Blackstenius laid a ball across goal for Asllani, who smashed a powerful strike past a diving Arnold.

It was their last contribution of the night as both were subbed almost immediately.

Australia tried desperately to breach the Swedish defence in the last 20 minutes with deep crosses into the box but Musovic was largely untroubled to keep a clean sheet.

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Sweden scored either side of half-time to spoil Australia's party and claim third spot at the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 win in Brisbane on Saturday. In front of a crowd of nearly 50,000, Sweden took the lead with a 30th-minute penalty by Fridolina Rolfo and doubled their advantage with a powerful strike from Kosovare Asllani just after the hour.

Sweden scored either side of half-time to spoil Australia's party and claim third spot at the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 win in Brisbane on Saturday. In front of a crowd of nearly 50,000, Sweden took the lead with a 30th-minute penalty by Fridolina Rolfo and doubled their advantage with a powerful strike from Kosovare Asllani just after the hour. Ranked third in the world, this is the fourth time that Sweden have finished third at the tournament. Also Read: If we spent what Chelsea spent in last two transfer windows, you would kill me: Pep Guardiola tells media They fully deserved their win against the hosts, dominating the midfield and keeping talismanic Australian striker Sam Kerr relatively quiet. Australia's other dangerous attacker, Mary Fowler, had a night to forget as she struggled physically against the size and power of the Swedish defenders. By contrast, Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius caused havoc among the Australian defence during her 63 minutes on the pitch and had a hand in both goals. The Swedes opened the match with far more intent than the Matildas and dominated for most of the first period. Playing a bit like England in their 3-1 semi-final win over the Matildas on Wednesday, the Swedes slowed the ball down and controlled the midfield. Australia only really looked dangerous on the transition and for much of the time they seemed to be chasing shadows, struggling to get any meaningful possession. The Swedes had a golden chance to take the lead in the first 60 seconds when Blackstenius shot low across goal. Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who had another excellent night, parried the ball away and Ellie Carpenter did well to clear from in front of an open goal. The Matildas didn't have their first shot until the 24th minute when a Hayley Raso drive drew a good save from Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic. But minutes later Sweden took the lead when VAR ruled that Clare Hunt had clipped Blackstenius's heel after yet another dangerous run into the box from the Swedish striker. Australian coach Tony Gustavsson made an attacking change on the 60-minute mark, bringing on Emily van Egmond and Cortnee Vine, but it was Sweden who continued to control the match. They went some way to silencing the sell-out crowd when Blackstenius laid a ball across goal for Asllani, who smashed a powerful strike past a diving Arnold. It was their last contribution of the night as both were subbed almost immediately. Australia tried desperately to breach the Swedish defence in the last 20 minutes with deep crosses into the box but Musovic was largely untroubled to keep a clean sheet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Women's World Cup: Sweden take third place with 2-0 win over co-host Australia

Australia were in danger of a humiliating early exit after a surprise defeat to Nigeria but they are now into the Women's World Cup quarter-finals and belief is growing that they can go all the way.

Throw a returning Sam Kerr into the mix and add in the departure of holders the United States, and the co-hosts sense that a first World Cup triumph is within their grasp.

The 2-3&nbsp;loss to Nigeria in the group phase put Australia's hopes in peril but they responded with a 4-0 thumping of Olympic champions Canada and beat Denmark 2-0 in the last 16.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-transfer-tottenham-hotspur-turn-down-bayern-munichs-final-bid-for-striker-harry-kane-623210">Tottenham Hotspur turn down Bayern Munich's 'final' bid for striker Harry Kane</a>

Skipper Kerr's belated appearance at the tournament after a calf injury made the headlines but it was Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler who together blew Denmark away in front of nearly 76,000 spectators in Sydney on Monday.

The Matildas will face France or World Cup debutants Morocco in the last eight and they have all the momentum as they close on a first World Cup semi-final and possibly more.

"If we play like this we can beat anyone," Arsenal forward Foord said after giving the Danes a torrid time with her pace, movement and power.

The 20-year-old Manchester City forward Fowler was just as impressive.

It was her vision and inch-perfect ball down the left wing which teed up Foord for a clinical finish in the first half at a near-capacity Stadium Australia.

Fowler was instrumental again in the second goal, 20 minutes from time, with Hayley Raso applying a deadly finish.

But one of the biggest cheers was yet to come, when 10 minutes later talismanic striker Kerr climbed off the bench for her first action at the tournament.

There was a nervous moment for the home fans when she slipped late on, but the Chelsea goalscorer appeared unharmed and her return is perfect timing for Australia.

The 29-year-old still may not start in Saturday's quarter-final in Brisbane, given she is only fresh off three weeks out with her calf problem.

But if Australia are chasing the game she will be the ultimate super-sub.

Foord called Kerr's return "a massive boost for us".

"For (other) teams looking ahead it's pretty scary to know that she's back in the team and she's going to be a part of it with us," she added.

<h2>Handling the pressure</h2>

And then there is the home support.

A more clinical side than Denmark, who were contesting their first knockout game at the World Cup since 1995, might have punished the home team in the first 20 minutes.

The Stadium Australia crowd sensed their players needed a lift and responded with chants of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie".

Denmark failed to capitalise on their early dominance and then Fowler and Foord combined to deadly effect to put Australia on their way to a deserved victory.

Australia's coach Tony Gustavsson had tears in his eyes afterwards when asked about the home support.

"I get emotional, I really do," the Swede said.

"The support we feel, thank you. Wow."

Player of the match Foord called the fans their "12th man" and said she felt support for the team building around Australia.

"The whole country is behind us and we do feel it, we do see it," said the 28-year-old.

With growing expectation comes growing pressure, but Foord is confident they can handle it.

"I think you feel pressure when you're not prepared," she said.

"And we feel prepared. We feel like we're ready for any scenario, every match.

"I don't think we feel any pressure, we are just enjoying our performances and building on that," she added.

"We know we have to take it up another level if we want to go all the way."

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Australia were in danger of a humiliating early exit after a surprise defeat to Nigeria but they are now into the Women's World Cup quarter-finals and belief is growing that they can go all the way.

Australia were in danger of a humiliating early exit after a surprise defeat to Nigeria but they are now into the Women's World Cup quarter-finals and belief is growing that they can go all the way. Throw a returning Sam Kerr into the mix and add in the departure of holders the United States, and the co-hosts sense that a first World Cup triumph is within their grasp. The 2-3 loss to Nigeria in the group phase put Australia's hopes in peril but they responded with a 4-0 thumping of Olympic champions Canada and beat Denmark 2-0 in the last 16. Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur turn down Bayern Munich's 'final' bid for striker Harry Kane Skipper Kerr's belated appearance at the tournament after a calf injury made the headlines but it was Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler who together blew Denmark away in front of nearly 76,000 spectators in Sydney on Monday. The Matildas will face France or World Cup debutants Morocco in the last eight and they have all the momentum as they close on a first World Cup semi-final and possibly more. "If we play like this we can beat anyone," Arsenal forward Foord said after giving the Danes a torrid time with her pace, movement and power. The 20-year-old Manchester City forward Fowler was just as impressive. It was her vision and inch-perfect ball down the left wing which teed up Foord for a clinical finish in the first half at a near-capacity Stadium Australia. Fowler was instrumental again in the second goal, 20 minutes from time, with Hayley Raso applying a deadly finish. But one of the biggest cheers was yet to come, when 10 minutes later talismanic striker Kerr climbed off the bench for her first action at the tournament. There was a nervous moment for the home fans when she slipped late on, but the Chelsea goalscorer appeared unharmed and her return is perfect timing for Australia. The 29-year-old still may not start in Saturday's quarter-final in Brisbane, given she is only fresh off three weeks out with her calf problem. But if Australia are chasing the game she will be the ultimate super-sub. Foord called Kerr's return "a massive boost for us". "For (other) teams looking ahead it's pretty scary to know that she's back in the team and she's going to be a part of it with us," she added. Handling the pressure And then there is the home support. A more clinical side than Denmark, who were contesting their first knockout game at the World Cup since 1995, might have punished the home team in the first 20 minutes. The Stadium Australia crowd sensed their players needed a lift and responded with chants of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie". Denmark failed to capitalise on their early dominance and then Fowler and Foord combined to deadly effect to put Australia on their way to a deserved victory. Australia's coach Tony Gustavsson had tears in his eyes afterwards when asked about the home support. "I get emotional, I really do," the Swede said. "The support we feel, thank you. Wow." Player of the match Foord called the fans their "12th man" and said she felt support for the team building around Australia. "The whole country is behind us and we do feel it, we do see it," said the 28-year-old. With growing expectation comes growing pressure, but Foord is confident they can handle it. "I think you feel pressure when you're not prepared," she said. "And we feel prepared. We feel like we're ready for any scenario, every match. "I don't think we feel any pressure, we are just enjoying our performances and building on that," she added. "We know we have to take it up another level if we want to go all the way." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Women's World Cup: Australia 'can beat anyone', says Caitlin Foord after Matildas enter quarterfinals

Australia women's national soccer team, in a video, has called out the pay disparity in the prize money at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Matildas also have voiced support for the women players' 'basic right' of collective bargaining during pay negotiations.

“Seven hundred and thirty-six footballers have the honour of representing their countries on the biggest stage this tournament, yet many are still denied the basic right to organise and collectively bargain,” the players said&nbsp;in the video.

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“Collective bargaining has allowed us to ensure we now get the same conditions as the Socceroos, with one exception – FIFA will still only offer women one quarter as much prize money as men for the same achievement."

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“We call on those who run the game to work to provide opportunities for girls and women in football, whether that be players, coaches, administrators or officials,” the players added in the video.

Notably, the prize money for the FIFA Women's World Cup is $110 million compared to the $440 million offered during the men's event in Qatar last year. FIFA, meanwhile, is aiming to bring pay parity between the two events during the 2026 &amp; 2027 world cups.

This is also not the first time Matildas have raised their voices against the pay disparity. In 2015, they went on strike to demand equal pay and successfully managed to get an equal minimum percentage as Australia's men's team at tournaments. The deal has been achieved via a collective bargaining agreement in 2019.

FIFA Women's World Cup is set to start on Thursday, July 20 and is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand together. A total of 32 teams will take part in the marquee event. Australia are placed in Group B alongside Canada, Nigeria and Ireland. The final of the event will be played on August 20.

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Australia women's national soccer team, in a video, has called out the pay disparity in the prize money at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Matildas also have voiced support for the women players' 'basic right' of collective bargaining during pay negotiations.

Australia women's national soccer team, in a video, has called out the pay disparity in the prize money at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Matildas also have voiced support for the women players' 'basic right' of collective bargaining during pay negotiations. “Seven hundred and thirty-six footballers have the honour of representing their countries on the biggest stage this tournament, yet many are still denied the basic right to organise and collectively bargain,” the players said in the video. Also Read: Ronaldo has 'no plans to play in MLS,' says Saudi league 'much better' “Collective bargaining has allowed us to ensure we now get the same conditions as the Socceroos, with one exception – FIFA will still only offer women one quarter as much prize money as men for the same achievement." × “We call on those who run the game to work to provide opportunities for girls and women in football, whether that be players, coaches, administrators or officials,” the players added in the video. Notably, the prize money for the FIFA Women's World Cup is $110 million compared to the $440 million offered during the men's event in Qatar last year. FIFA, meanwhile, is aiming to bring pay parity between the two events during the 2026 & 2027 world cups. This is also not the first time Matildas have raised their voices against the pay disparity. In 2015, they went on strike to demand equal pay and successfully managed to get an equal minimum percentage as Australia's men's team at tournaments. The deal has been achieved via a collective bargaining agreement in 2019. FIFA Women's World Cup is set to start on Thursday, July 20 and is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand together. A total of 32 teams will take part in the marquee event. Australia are placed in Group B alongside Canada, Nigeria and Ireland. The final of the event will be played on August 20. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

2023 Women's World Cup: Co-host Australia call out FIFA over pay disparity

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