City midfielder Filippa Angledahl and Sweden clinched third place at the Women’s World Cup with a deserved 2-0 win over Australia in Brisbane.

A first half Fridolina Rolfo penalty and second half strike from skipper and former City star Kosovare Asllani ensured the tournament ended on a high for Angledahl and her colleagues as they collected the bronze medal.

However, it meant disappointment for her City colleagues Mary Fowler, who played the full 90 minutes for the Matildas, and Alanna Kennedy who was an unused substitute.

For Sweden it was a fourth success in a World Cup third place play-off and – coming four days after their agonising last-gasp semi-final loss to Spain – represented the perfect way to end their campaign.

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And in truth, despite the best efforts of the Aussies and another passionate, 52,000 sell-out crowd, the Scandinavians ultimately proved deserved victors.

Rolfo’s 29th minute penalty had ensured Sweden went in with the first half advantage after a feisty and hard-fought opening 45 minutes.

Australia’s Clare Hunt had forcefully clashed with Stina Blackstenius in the box and after a VAR check, a spot-kick was subsequently awarded.

ACTION STATIONS: Filippa Angeldahl battles for possession.
ACTION STATIONS: Filippa Angeldahl battles for possession.

Rolfo showed her composure by slotting a crisp left-footed strike into the bottom right corner despite the best efforts of Matildas keeper Mackenzie Arnold.

The Australian keeper then made a fine save deep into first half stoppage time to deny Angeldahl after she fired in on goal from a dangerous Sweden free-kick.

However, Sweden were not to be denied – and they doubled their advantage just past the hour mark through skipper Asllani who proved a thorn in the Australian’s side all night long.

A quickfire Swedish break saw Stina Blackstenius hold the ball up before cutting back for Asllani on the edge of the area who rifled home a superb strike into the bottom corner.

Australia, still no doubt smarting from Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final loss to England, huffed and puffed but never really threatened as Sweden ran down the clock to secure another third-place finish.

Now the focus switches to the last match of a memorable tournament - Sunday’s eagerly-awaited final between England and Spain.