MATILDAS PLAYER RATINGS: See who starred and who struggled in the World Cup third-place playoff against Sweden
MATILDAS PLAYER REVIEWS: See who starred and who struggled in the World Cup third place play-offs against Sweden
The Matildas lost their battle against Sweden for third place in their own World Cup, but lost few admirers in a gutsy performance.
Here’s how Daily Mail Australia rated every star who took the field for Australia…
MACKENZIE ARNOLD: 7
Called up early with Sweden conceding a controversial penalty in the first half. Despite reading the direction, she could not deny the Swedes at a crucial moment. Called into action soon after to deny Kosovar Asllani. Was brilliant at denying Asllani late in the half with a sharp dive stop to her left. There was little she could do to stop the second and divisive goal as her defenders let her down.
ELLIE TIMMER: 5
Had the crowd roaring early in the second half with a cross that sailed just wide of the waiting Sam Kerr. Took her passing game out of the game against England. Guilty of not getting after the ball when it counted in the second half as the Swedes claimed control.
Australia’s Clare Hunt fouls Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius, giving Sweden a penalty after review by VAR
CLARE HUNT: 5
Can consider himself very unlucky to surrender a penalty for the softest contact on Stina Blackstenius in the first half after a controversial VAR review. It has been a game of stones and diamonds for Hunt, who has shown enough potential to be a Matilda for a long time, but also that she still has work to do to become a world-class defender.
CLARE POLKINGHORNE: 4
The veteran defender had a scary moment late in the first half with a questionable pass, but the Swedes were unable to convert, much to the relief of the Matildas. Could only watch Asllani hammer in the decisive goal when she failed to catch the ball at a crucial moment. Had a chance to score from the front, but shot it straight into the Swedish goalkeeper. A disappointing way to possibly bow to a longstanding warrior for the Matildas.
STEF CATLEY: 7
Was a huge support in the first half but couldn’t find the elusive connection to score Matildas’ first goal. Did very well with a perfectly timed tackle that stopped the scoring in the second half. Showed her experience but sometimes lacked support.
Thrown from pillar to post, Caitlin Foord kept getting up and asking for more in a brave performance that saw a bad crash, a concussion and lots of bandages
If Kyra Cooney-Cross was a rising star, she is no longer rising. She played a starring role even when her team was defeated
HAYLEY RASO: 7
Had a chance to put the Aussies first on the board as the Matildas were relentless in the attacking third but were denied by the Swedish ‘keeper’. Came out on the 60th minute after an exhausting and physical stint.
KATRINA GORRY: 6
Received a yellow card late in the first half for a tackle that smacked of frustration, giving the Swedes a late free kick that came dangerously close to scoring. That frustration boiled over when she joined Asllani for some pushing and shoving after more rough play from the Swedish star. Was substituted on 60 minutes into the game, as the coach went for new legs.
KYRA COONEY CROSS: 8
Beat everyone except the goalkeeper and nearly sneak through a long-range attempt in the shadows of halftime. Toiled ferociously in midfield against highly skilled and well-trained Swedish opponents. Threatened with corners, sharp passes and a vision that defies her youth. Arguably the best Aussie on the field. She is only 21 years old and is the future of the Matildas.
CAITLIN FRONT: 7.5
Niggle went to many more when Foord collided heavily with Asllani late in the first half, requiring a concussion test. Could return for the second half with her head draped in bandages and kept getting clubbed by the Swedish players and got up for more. A typically tough performance that unfortunately yielded little reward.
Kerr had very few chances but still came dangerously close to scoring for Australia before suffering a late injury
SAM KERR: 6.5
After making a rocket of a goal against England, Kerr moved into a defender role in the first half and it almost set Hayley Raso up for the go-ahead goal. Got a chance after the penalty shot but couldn’t quite control the pass. Desperate bad luck to be denied shortly afterwards with a missile on the left post. Send shockwaves through fans’ hearts when she looked injured but was able to finish the game.
MARIA FOWLER: 6.5
Came up with some of Australia’s best chances in the early exchanges, floating on the dangerous Sam Kerr and chasing opportunities. Struggled to get a touch in the second half as the Swedish star dominated possession and stole the game from the Aussies.
REPLACEMENTS:
EMILY VAN EGMOND: 5
Couldn’t give the Matildas the necessary spark, but didn’t get much time to do so. Had a legitimate chance and shot wide, but it wouldn’t have affected the result.
CORTNEE VINE: 5
Like van Egmond, he was given very little time to save the game for Australia and had little chance with Sweden dominating possession. Many fans were puzzled why she didn’t get more chances against both England and Sweden.
ALEXANDRA CHIDIAC 5
Got loud cheers from the crowd for getting a chance on the defensive line in the last 20 minutes and the former Melbourne City star did little wrong in her cameo.
COURTNEY NEVIN 5
The Leicester City star got some valuable minutes and should be commended for not letting the Swedes break through their defense again while stationed at fullback.