Australia and Sweden have everything to play for in their final Group D match for the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Currently sitting in second and third respectively, both teams could finish anywhere from first to fourth depending on the outcomes of Wednesday morning’s fixtures.
The Matildas kept their destiny in their own hands with a 2-0 win over Nigeria. Kyah Simon’s double saw the Australians wrap-up their first win of the tournament in warm conditions in Winnipeg. The three points in that match see the Matildas sitting in second with the potential to finish first, if they can beat Sweden and Nigeria can beat or hold America to a draw.
Sweden played out a 0-0 draw with team USA in their previous group match. Despite the lack of goals in the game, the Blågult still created plenty of chances, and were almost impossible to break down in defence. Although they sit third in the group, Sweden’s tournament is far from over. A win over Australia sees them jump to second, and if the USA lose they could even go top. However, even if the results do not go their way, a good goal difference could keep the Swedes in the tournament, thanks to the four best ranked third placed teams also progressing.
Key battle – Kyah Simon v Hedvig Lindahl
Simon proved how cool and clinical she is in front of goal against Nigeria with a brace. Her combination with Sam Kerr and Lisa De Vanna ensured that all three forwards had plenty of great chances. Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl will have her work cut out for her, with the pacy Australian attack looking to score. Lindhal was phenomenal against the Americans and made a few top class saves to ensure her side earned a point from the match.
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Team news
Australian coach Alen Stajcic is likely to, again, freshen up his starting XI with a few changes. With no injury concerns to hinder his decision making, the coach has a full squad at his disposal.
Australia expected XI: Williams; Polkinghorne, Foord, Kennedy, Catley; Kellond-Knight, Gorry, Van Egmond; Kerr, De Vanna, Simon
Swedish coach Pia Sundhage has similarly made a few changes to her team in the two group matches they have played. With everything on the line, Sundhage will be very calculated in her team selections.
Sweden expected XI: Lindhal; Fischer, Berglund, Samuelsson, Rubensson; Nilsson, Seger, Dahlkvist, Sjögran; Schelin, Jacobsson
Previous meeting
These teams have met twice before at the World Cup – in 2011 and 1999. On both occasions, Sweden were 3-1 victors. In Germany 2011, Sweden knocked Australia out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage. The three goal scorers for the Blågult – Therese Sjögran, Lisa Dahlkvist and Lotta Schelin – have featured regularly in this year’s tournament, while Ellyse Perry, Australia’s goal scorer in 2011, is not in this Matildas’ team.
Prediction
Both sides have plenty to play for and this sets up an interesting and exciting final Group D match. The experience of Sweden’s line-up will come is a great advantage, considering a win will secure them progression to the next stage of the tournament. The Swedes have so far demonstrated that they are capable of scoring of goals as well as sticking to a compact, defensive structure, while Australia have shown plenty of grit and determination in their two group games. The Matildas will take a lot of confidence from the attacking performances and will be hoping they are able to play their style of game for the full 90 minutes. Arguably, the game with most at stake in the group stage will be a tight but enthralling contest.
Australia 1 Sweden 1
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