Sweden continues winning streak to go through to the finals

Sweden have made it through to the women's Olympic football final after beating Australia 1-0. A great game from Sweden, both in defence and attack, who held on until the end to continue their successful winning streak. Australia also had plenty of chances to win the match, but in the end the Scandinavians were the better side and went through to the final. 

Sweden has won every match so far at these Olympic Games and is one of the clear favourites to win the gold medal. The final will be on 6th August at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo and will pit Sweden against Canada, both of whom are assured of a medal, but it remains to be seen which medal will go to which team. Australia still has a chance to win the bronze medal, it will be against USA on 5th August. 

Sweden were clearly the better team during the match, although Australia improved a lot at the end of the first half. The Matildas tried to tie the game in the last minutes of the second half, but also failed to score. In addition, they ended up with 10 players on the pitch as Ellie Carpenter was sent off in the last minute trying to prevent a Swedish counter-attack. Carpenter will miss the match against the USA.

Although Australia had more shots on target, Sweden took advantage of their opponents' lack of concentration after the half-time to score what would end up being the only goal of the match. In the 46th minute, goalkeeper Micah failed to clear the ball well and after hitting the crossbar it fell to the feet of Fridolina Rolfo who scored with a precise volley. Rolfo was being the best player of her team in attack, in the first half she also hit the crossbar with a powerful strike. 

We have enjoyed a good semi-final match and the Swedes have emerged victorious, on the other hand, it was the first time in history that Australia managed to reach the semi-finals of women's football in the Olympic Games. All credit to the Australians who have left a good taste in their mouths. 

 

August 2, 2021