The second last day at the Women’s World Cup produced a thriller and one of the closest games of the tournament. The third place game, sometimes described as a meaningless, seemed anything but when England and Sweden stepped on the field.
England had won third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and were hoping to repeat as the bronze medalists. Simultaneously, Sweden had already surpassed their 2015 finish since they got beat in the round of the knockout play.
The game started quick with a Sweden corner in just the second minute of play. Nothing came of it for the Swedes, but the early chance helped spark future offense. The future was not too far off and Sweden was able to capitalize on their play in the 11th minute. The fast offensive start for Sweden can be contributed to England’s shuffling of players in the back-line. Mille Bright, a stable at center-back for the Lionesses, missed the game since she got a red card in the semifinal against the United States. An inexperienced Abbie McManus took over the starting role in her place. Also Demi Stokes was replaced at leftback by Alex Greenwood.
Sweden played a cross into the box, but none of their players were close to the ball. England’s Greenwood did well to intercept the cross, but did poorly to clear the ball a few feet to Kosovare Asllani just a few feet away. Asllani did not hesitate with the opportunity, sending a one touch shot into the right corner for a goal.
Sweden would ride their momentum and double their lead 11 minutes later. Stina Blackstenius of Sweden was on the left side of the pitch, she laid a short pass off to Sofia Jakobsson running into the box. Jakobsson was given a few feet of space by England’s defense so she dribbled into the box. The space allowed her to setup her shot perfectly and place a beautifully bended ball past the goalkeeper.
The game looked one-sided and seemed like England was still mourning the loss to the United States in their previous match. Their disappointing first 25 minutes of play was immediately followed with 30 minutes of inspiring soccer to finish the half.
Jill Scott was fed a ball at the center line and two Swedish defenders stepped in for a tackle. This allowed her teammate Fran Kirby to become free running in the attacking half. Scott played a well hit through ball sending Kirby down the right side of the field. Kirby cut the ball back inside and snuck a shot in to the left side of the net with Sweden’s goalkeeper not even diving to stop it.
England was now the team on attack and looked they would tie Sweden any minute. The Lionesses were even able to find he equalizing goal, but VAR weaseled its way into the match and ruled the goal was no good because of a handball by Ellen White. The call seemed a bit harsh and inconclusive from t he video, but the referee had made her decision and the score was 2-1 in favor of Sweden.
The score would hold at halftime, but when the second half started it felt like England had it in them to fins another goal and at least send the game to extra time. Yet the Lionesses could not put the ball in the back of the net no matter how many chances they had. England who looked so good throughout the tournament would leave it finishing worse than 2015. Devastation for their loss was shown by the team after the game.
The win for Sweden was their third win over teams ranked in the top five. If they had played their usual starters against the United States in group play that number could be six wins. Sweden was immensely proud of their play and being able to walk away with the bronze medals displayed on their chests.
The third place game was everything fans hoped for leaving them even more excited for the final tomorrow. The final will take place between the United States and Netherlands at 11 am ET on FOX.