This was Sweden’s fourth appearance in a World Cup third-place play-off match and, ultimately, that shone Down Under as they defeated the hosts, netting in both halves to claim bronze position in front of a sell-out crowd.

Early on, Sweden were the side comfortable in possession, creating the half chances and showing promising signs. Rytting Kaneryd held her place wide-right, Musovic looking commanding in net. Those signs eventually came to fruition when Clare Hunt had fouled Stina Blackstenius inside the box.

There was definite contact, despite VAR having to alert the referee originally to the foul. Up stepped Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo, who as expected was cool under the spotlight and slotted it left-footed into the bottom right corner. Mackenzie Arnold did go the correct way, but it sneaked in.

That was the crucial moment before the halfway stage. Sweden probably deserved to be leading but the Matildas had looked dangerous on the counter, considering the Swedes had 57 per cent of the ball in that opening 45.

Then came the second just after the hour mark, with Sweden’s no.9 Kosovare Asllani scoring a stunning goal after Australia had clumsily lost the ball in their own half.

Blackstenius had held the ball up well, and then had the knowhow and awareness to lay it back for Sweden’s captain, who struck a shot with brutal perfection: a right-footed effort arrowing and nuzzling into the bottom corner from outside the area.

It was the competition’s second goal from outside the area, following our own Sam Kerr’s screamer against England in midweek.

Kerr did go down with a knock, with what appeared to be an issue towards the bottom of her leg, at the end of the contest. She did carry on through the pain, and we will hoping that is nothing too serious for our superstar.

Overall, the three Blues out there can be proud of their campaigns, whether clinching third or fourth. England play Spain in tomorrow's blockbuster final, with five Blues representing the Lionesses!