Sweden spoil the party with a 2-0 win over Australia in Brisbane this morning. Goals from Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani proved the difference as Sweden showed their class to win their fourth World Cup bronze medal.

Viewers were treated to a brilliant game this morning, as both sides played with real freedom, knowing that there was nothing to lose.

From the onset, the tempo of the game was kept very high from both sides, who saw this match as a real opportunity to finish this World Cup on a high. It was Sweden who got off to the stronger start, forcing a crucial save from Mackenzie Arnold inside of two minutes.

Stina Blackstenius was played in by an excellent ball through the Australian defence and found herself in a dangerous position on the right-hand side of the Aussie penalty area. The Arsenal striker struck a powerful shot to Arnold’s right, with the goalkeeper coming up with the goods to deny Sweden an early goal.

Despite an early onslaught on Swedish pressure, in which the visitors enjoyed 66% possession, The Matildas responded well and looked to cause some problems of their own. A Hayley Rasso strike in the 24^th minute was the closest either side had come to scoring, her effort forcing a strong save from Zecira Musovic in the Swedish net.

Rasso was found at the back post by a wonderful Ellie Carpenter cross and controlled the ball excellently to set herself for the shot. The midfielder gave the keeper the eyes as if she was directing her striker to the far post, before powering her shot the other way, forcing a difficult save from Musovic, who could only parry the ball out for a corner.

Sweden would go on to punish The Matildas for not converting their chances as they were awarded a penalty in the 28^th minute following a clumsy tangling of legs between Clare Hunt and Stina Blackstenius. With the striker drifting away from the Aussie goal, Hunt got her foot placement all wrong, tripping up Blackstenius.

After a rather short VAR review, Chery Foster awarded the penalty to Sweden, with Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo stepping up to take it. Rolfo powered her effort into the far-right corner, just evading the palm of Mackenzie Arnold, who came within centimetres of getting a hand to the ball. After a bright spell for Australia, it was Sweden who were on the scoreboard first.

For the remainder of the first half, it was a really open contest as Australia pushed for an equaliser. The Matildas were met by a committed Swedish defence, who did an excellent job in neutralising the threat of Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler. Kerr had the fewest touches of anybody on the pitch in the opening half, such was the effectiveness of this strong Swedish defence.

Sweden emerged from the Half-Time break with a real sense of purpose as they looked for a second goal that would potentially put the game to bed. They put the Matildas under immense pressure early on, and had the hosts camped in their own half. 15 minutes into the second half, Sweden got the goal that sank Australian hearts, an excellent finish from captain Kosovare Asllani. Despite a bright spell from Australia, they gave the ball away and Sweden countered clinically.

The omni-present Elin Rubensson stormed into the Australian half with real purpose before releasing Stina Blackstenius down the left flank. The Arsenal striker, outnumbered by Aussie defenders, produced an excellent lay-off to her teammate Asllani on the edge of the box. The attacking midfielder met the ball at a great speed, hitting her effort first time, the ball flying past Mackenzie Arnold in goal who could do nothing about the shot.

For the rest of the game Sweden were in complete control, slowing the tempo of the game down. Australia to their credit refused to go down without a fight, but despite their best efforts they were unable to breach this robust Swedish defence. Any number of Swedish players could be deemed player of the match, such was their quality around the park today, and The Matildas should hold their heads high after what has been a historic tournament for the home nation.

West Ham goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was Australia’s hero in the penalty shootout as the hosts reached the World Cup semi-final for the first time. 

The two teams played out a goalless nervy draw and at the end of the seesaw penalty shootout, Vicki Becho missed and Courtnee Vine stepped up to score the winner in the 7-6 shootout.

The first half was a seesaw contest that France started better and Australia finished better.

Aussie defender Alanna Kennedy was dispossessed by Kadidiatou Diani and after outmuscling the defender, the France striker fired a shot just wide. 

Diani appeared to have been held back by Kennedy and despite her protests after the shot was taken, she will regret not going down in the area.

France again went close, this time from a corner.

The ball dropped to Sandie Toletti, who volleyed goal wards. Her shot was going wide but Maelle Lakrar was standing own the post and only had to tap home. 

But it comes to her too quickly and she slices her effort over from two yards out. 

At the other end, Caitlin Foord went close from an Australian corner but Aussie goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was called into action and made a brilliant double save.

Arnold denied Diani before the second ball fell to Lakrar, who took a wicked shot at the near post but the West Ham shot stopper tipped it round the post.

However, it was Australia who had the best chance of the match as a mix up in defence allowed Emily van Egmond to get to the ball before France keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

The midfielder squared the ball to Mary Fowler and the Manchester City striker thought she had an open goal but Elisa de Almeida sprinted back and blocked the shot.

Substitute Sam Kerr made an instant impact as she slid the ball to Hayley Raso and the striker’s shot from distance was well matched by Peyraud-Magnin.

Australia were firmly on top as a ricochet in the box meant the ball fell to Fowler on the penalty spot but her powerful shot was straight at Peyraud-Magnin.

The latter stages was a cagey affair with neither side creating many clear cut opportunities but France began to dominate.

Arnold came to Australia’s rescue in the second half of extra time as she tipped a fierce effort from teenager Vicki Becho over the bar.

Grace Geyoro had a go from a very tight angle which Arnold spilled but skipper Steph Catley was able to hack the ball clear with two France players behind her, ready to tap the ball in. 

After 120 minutes, the match went to spot kicks. 

Selma Bacha took the first penalty and was denied by Arnold before the Matildas took the lead through Caitlin Foord. 

Diani sent Arnold the wrong way to put France on the board and Steph Catley’s penalty was saved by substitute Solene Durand. 

Sakina Karchaoui and Sam Kerr’s penalties cancelled each other out. 

Eugenie Le Sommer sent Arnold the wrong way before Mary Fowler blasted the ball into the net.

Eve Perisset's penalty was saved by Arnold and the goalkeeper stepped up but hit the post. 

Grace Geyoro’s penalty just squeezed past Arnold and Katrina Gorry just about did the same as the home crowd breathed relief.

Sakina Karchaoui smashed the ball into the top corner and Tameka Yallop scored.

Maelle Lakrar cooly dispatched before Ellie Carpenter scored an excellent penalty.

Kenza Dali's penalty was saved by Arnold but Clare Hunt was denied by an excellent save.

Becho hit the post and this time Cortnee Vine slotted the winner. 

Chloe Kelly came to England’s rescue once more as the Lionesses sneaked into the quarter-finals despite Lauren James’ second half red card.

Kelly, who scored the winning goal in the 2022 Euros final at Wembley, stepped up and cooly dispatched the winning penalty as England were victorious 4-2 on penalties. 

England dominated the early stages as Alex Greenwood and Alessia Russo were lively.

The Lionesses were trying to get their player of the tournament so far, Lauren James involved as much as possible but the Chelsea midfielder was man marked throughout.

Nigeria grew into the first half and Michelle Alozie’s header caused pinball in the England box before the ball was cleared.

The African side’s purple patch continued and England’s worries increased as former England youth player Ashleigh Plumptre hit a thunderous strike that cannoned off the bar and her follow up shot was well saved by Mary Earps.

Alessia Russo had a shot in reply after a mistake by Nigeria at the back but her effort was well saved.

England appeared to have won themselves a penalty on the half hour mark for a shove in the back by Rasheedat Ajibade but VAR intervened and ruled out the spot kick for not enough contact.

Nigeria then created two good opportunities from close range.

The first from Uchenna Kanu was blocked by Millie Bright and the second from Christy Ucheibe is also prevented from the reaching Earps.

Nigeria kept up the pressure in the second half as Kanu hit the bar with a header from Ajibade's cross.

Kanu again went close from a corner before Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie denied Rachel Daly’s on rushing free header from a corner with an excellent stop.

England star James endured a moment of madness and was initially shown a yellow card for a bad, mistimed foul on Michelle Alozie.

However, VAR intervened and rightly upgraded it to a red.

Extra time ensued and the first period was a cagey affair with neither side having clear cut chances but Nigeria did dominate possession. 

Penalties were next.

Georgia Stanway and Desire Oparanozie both sent their opening penalties wide.

Bethany England stepped up and put the Lionesses ahead before Michelle Alozie skied her attempt over the bar.

Rachel Daly rifled her effort in the right corner to put England further ahead, while Ajibade got Nigeria on the scoresheet.

Alex Greenwood sent the keeper the wrong way and Christy Ucheibe cooly slotted. 

Kelly smashed her effort into the right corner and England reached the final eight by the barest of margins.

Germany have exited the World Cup at the Group Stage for the first time ever after a shock draw to South Korea, with Morocco defeating Colombia.

Korea took an early lead thanks to Cho So-hyun, and despite Popp levelling before the break and intense pressure in the second half, Germany struggled to break down the Korean back five and crash out of the tournament. 

There will be a huge inquest back home as to how this happened, but apart from Popp headers they had little to no creativity across their final two group games. 

On the balance of the game as a whole, it’s not against the wind to say Korea deserved a point from this game. 

Despite the expectation of Korea holding back and trying to defend the early German pressure, it was Korea who had the first chance of the game. 

16 year old Casey Phair was slid through on goal and her effort produced a great save from Frohms in net who parried onto the post to prevent a shock opening, however the shock would arrive moments later. 

Just after the 5th minute mark, Lee Young-ju played a wonderful defence splitting pass in behind a completely disorientated German defence and found Cho So-hyun who slid the ball to her left past Frohms to give Korea the lead and their first goal of the tournament. 

Germany looked lost as the half went on. Seemingly struggling to break down the Korean defence who were happy to sit off and allow their opposition to press on. 

Just before halftime, Korea looked to push forward but a huge challenge from Hegering knocked Casey Phair off the ball to turn over possession, and for the first time we saw some German quality. 

Some quick direct passing into space through the middle and out to the wing left Svenja Huth time and space to pick her cross, and this side knows if you pick out Alex Popp she will deliver, and once again Popp rose highest to head home and get her side back on level terms. 

Word came through at the break that Morocco took a late first half lead over Colombia so a draw would not be good enough for the team ranked 2nd in the world. Just before the half hour mark Germany thought they had the lead they desperately needed. Popp coveted a header off a delightful Schuller flick but VAR intervened to overturn the goal for offside. 

Moments later, Popp once again with a header from a Huth cross rattled the bar as the pressure metre started to ramp up. 

One of the aspects Germany were struggling with was creating chances from anything other than crossing to Popp, but that was still causing trouble. Substitute Lohmann took over cross duties and delivered quality as Popp got on the end of another inviting cross but this time her effort was straight at the South Korea keeper, as the stress continued to ramp up. 

Despite looking like they were heading home, Germany never really attacked with the intensity needed to get a goal to send them through. In the final ten minutes, Germany created very little with Korea using every opportunity to slow down the game and take a hard earned point back home as a consolation prize.

Into nine minutes time, the Koreans used every single trick in the book to run the clock out, with the majority of the nine minutes being used up on three separate injuries, including So-hyun the goalscorer getting stretchered off.

Lohmann did have two attempts go wide from range in the added time in added time but for all the Korean time wasting, the Germans know they blew a huge opportunity to win the World Cup. 

In Brisbane, the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria played to a respectable score of 0-0 to cap up their first World Cup campaign.

Vera Pauw's team secured their first point in the international tournament and will depart Australia this week having putting in a credible effort and performance.

With Katie McCabe having the finest opportunity early in the first half, the Girls in Green were excellent in the high press throughout. Despite a last-ditch efforts to score the winning goal, they were unable to do so, therefore leave the tournament with a point.

With Farrelly passing the ball to the advancing Katie McCabe, Ireland had a great chance to score almost immediately, but McCabe's shot just missed the target.

Nigeria had an excellent opportunity of their own when Asisat Oshoala broke down the right and beat Brosnan with a well-placed shot, but it just missed the post following a misplaced pass by Louise Quinn.

Megan Connolly's free-kick was initially saved by Nigerian custodian Chiamaka Nnadozie, but she fumbled it. Lily Agg appeared to connect properly on the rebound, but Nnadozie gathered it on the second try as Ireland continued to press forward and with determination.

Katie McCabe fired a free kick to the back post, where Lousie Quinn headed it across the goal face to Kyra Carusa, who headed it goalward, but Nnadozie was equal to the attempt. Ireland was proving to challenge the Nigerian defence in waves of attack.

Nigeria took the game to Ireland in the early stages of the second half with Courtney Brosnan producing one of the finest saves seen in this tournament, Paynes' cross was met by Kanu and her header looked goal bound only for Brosnan to tip it onto the crossbar and was cleared. Seconds later Nigeria pulled another effort wide with Asisat Oshoala taking a shot on goal that went wide of Brosnan's back post.

Ireland got a foothold in the half and Carusa laid the ball to O'Sullivan who struck it the first time but it took a deflection and went wide.

For Nigeria Payne's corner caused all sorts of issues in the Irish area with Louise Quinn finally having a chance to clear the line. Ireland's best chance of the second half was when a fantastic cross into the Nigerian penalty area by Katie McCabe was met by Carusa who clashed with the onrushing Chiamaka Nnadozie and both went down injured.

Nigeria was to have the last say in the game with Brosnan saving an excellent shot on the edge of the area from Rasheedat Ajibade who forced the keeper into a diving save.

If you can take anything away from this is that interest in this side has been a massive springboard for the future, the catalyst for future qualifications. This you feel is only the beginning.

Wendie Renard’s late header puts France top of Group F after beating Brazil 2-1 in a breathless encounter at the Suncorp Stadium.

A first-half header from Eugenie Le Sommer was cancelled out in the second half by an opportunistic strike from Debinha before Renard popped up with the winner in the eighty-second minute to grab all three points for Les Bleues.

France showed early signs of intent by attacking down the right with Kadidiatou Diani providing width and Eugenie Le Sommer drifting wide causing Brazil problems from the off.

The first chance of the game came to Le Sommer when a ball in from the right found the veteran striker alone in the box, but Le Sommer’s glancing header was saved by the strong hand of Leticia in the Brazil goal.

Le Sommer would get another chance a few minutes later and this time France’s greatest-ever goal scorer made no mistake from close range.

France moved the ball with pace out to the left to find left-back Sakina Karchaoui. The French full-back’s deep cross arced towards the back post where Diani controlled a header back across the goal to find Le Sommer, who perfectly headed the ball into the bottom corner.

Brazil responded well to this with a massive chance as Debinha was aware enough to find Adriana alone in the box, but the winger’s wild effort was a big opportunity missed for Pia Sundhage’s side.

Brazil found the first half a chore as they were unable to move the ball with any fluidity, coughing up possession cheaply far too often against a talented France side. 

Brazil started the second half a bit brighter but didn’t threaten until a chance came out of nowhere from Brazil’s diminutive attacker, Debinha.

Adrianna collects the ball from the corner of the box and finds Kerolin with a yard of space. The impressive Brazilian midfielder’s shot is blocked but spins into the path of Debinha, who controls the ball well before side-foot volleying the ball past Peyraud-Magnin.

After this goal the game drastically opened up with both sides breaking forward, getting chances and then conceding chances at the other like a basketball match.

But the game would be decided by a set play, courtesy of the French captain Wendie Renard.

Selma Bacha delivered a sublime corner kick to the back post where Renard towered over her marker to head the ball back across the goal to put France ahead.

There would be late drama as Brazil got a free-kick late in the game to the annoyance of French head coach Herve Renard, but the game ended 2-1 and France secured all three points.

Nigeria upended the form book to come from a goal down to win 3-2 against the hosts Australia in an exciting Group B game in the Women’s World Cup in Brisbane today.

Goals from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala cancelled out Van Egmond’s opener and Alanna Kennedy's header deep in injury time proved to be just a consolation effort for the hosts. 

The result almost guarantees the Nigerians will progress and leaves the host's hopes hanging by a thread ahead of a crunch game against Canada next Monday.

Nigeria were shaky in the opening exchanges giving away a needless corner in the first minute under no pressure and the Australians kept the pressure up for most of the first half from there. 

Just after the ten minute mark, Catley had the first good opportunity for the hosts. Her short corner routine with Gorry found the Nigerians napping and she progressed unimpeded on goal and forced a great save from Nnadozie in the Nigerian goal who forced it around the post.

On twenty minutes Caitlin Foord saw her effort from distance fizz just wide of the far post as the Aussies began to really take over. Nnadozie wasn’t overly concerned about the strike.

Just shy of the half time break, the Nigerian keeper fumbled a corner and it fell to Foord who had two attempts but both were blocked by defenders before Gorry fired the ball over the bar.

Australia would find the opener in first half stoppage time when a poor kick out ended up at the feet of Foord who broke down the left and her centre was touched home by Emily Van Egmond to set the home fans delirious.

It wouldn’t last long though as the Nigerians made a rare break into the Australian half. Good work by Ashleigh Plumptre and Tony Payne saw a deflected cross arrive in the Austrian box and a fine finish from Kanu drew the African side level before the half time whistle.

The second half saw Australia come out much like the first half and chance after chance went abegging before on the hour mark Nigeria forced a corner against the run of play. 

The Australians couldn’t deal with the corner and as the ball bounced out of Arnold’s hands Osinachi Ohale arrived at the back post and despite the desperate attempts of Kennedy on the line she nodded the ball into the back of the net.

Ten minutes later their dreams were turned to reality when they added to their lead. Some lax coverage in midfield allowed Toni Payne all the time in the world to send the ball forward. Kennedy and Arnold got their wires crossed and it allowed Asisat Oshoala to nip between them and guide the ball into the unguarded net to send the small Nigeria crowd into raptures in the Brisbane night.

Australia dominated the remaining twenty minutes of the game but were unable to really expose a resolute Nigerian defence. Australia rang the changes in the closing stages but their desperate attempts to force something although Chilliac and Foord did have opportunities without really bothering the Nigerian netminder in the regulation 90 minutes.

When the fourth official indicated 11 minutes of added time the crowd did their best to lift the hosts performance. They did pull a goal back through Alanna Kennedy with a header from a corner ten minutes into added time and a last gasp volley from Ellie Carpenter was well saved by the Nigerian keeper. 

Despite the late flurry from the hosts the Nigerians held on for a historic victory as Australia just ran out of time. 

Georgia Stanway scored the only goal as tournament favourites England won their opening World Cup group game 1-0 against a tough Haiti opposition.

The 53rd ranked team, playing in their first World Cup, frustrated Sarina Weigman’s side and produced numerous threats on the counter attack but the Lionesses proved victorious despite a below par display. 

England endured a sluggish start with returning captain Milly Bright cheaply giving away possession inside the opening minute.

The number one seed in the tournament responded with quick ball with flashy touches by Ella Toone around the opposing penalty area and off a corner Lucy Bronze headed wide from a superb delivery by Chloe Kelly. 

Kelly had England’s first shot on target following a neat turn but Haiti’s goalkeeper Kerly Theus comfortably held on. 

England broke forward with intensity and a ricochet off the Haitian defence led to a chance for Alessia Russo but the Arsenal striker was denied by Theus.

At the other end, Haiti squandered a golden opportunity as England’s defence were caught napping and Roselord Borgella found herself one on one but her shot was tame and drifted wide.

A VAR check for a possible penalty occurred after England winger Kelly was caught by Dayana Pierre-Louis but following the review the referee actually penalised England striker Russo and showed a yellow card for a foul in the build up.

However, moments later another VAR check ensued and Batcheba Louis was ruled to have handled and a penalty was given.

Stanway stepped up for the spot kick but 5 ft 4inch Theus denied her with a brilliant save but following another VAR check she was deemed to be off her line and the penalty was to be retaken.

Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway coolly slotted the second attempt sending Theus the wrong way.

Stanway put a brilliant clip pass into the back post but Lauren Hemp’s header was weak and should have resulted in England doubling their lead.

Russo was then put through by Alex Greenwood’s cross but her header sailed wide as England continued to search for a second.

Despite this, Haiti continued to cause England problems at the back as teenage sensation and Lyon bound Melchie Dumornay was at the heart of their dangerous looking counterattacks.

Haiti had the best chance of the second half as the dangerous Dumornay cut inside and bumped off Lucy Bronze to release a powerful shot on target that was parried away by Mary Earps.

The lively Russo was repeatedly denied by the excellence of Haiti goalkeeper Theus and Bright’s half volley from a corner sailed over. 

Haiti had their best chance with eight minutes remaining as Mary Earps came to England’s rescue with a smart stop to deny Roseline Eloissaint, who was put through by Nerilla Mondesir. 

There were nervy signs for England late on but it finished in Brisbane, England one Haiti nil.