Why Matildas’ World Cup campaign is NOT over: Australia to play Sweden in third place play-off match after defeat to England
Australia’s dream of World Cup glory on home soil may have come to an end against England, but the tournament isn’t over for the Matildas.
Sam Kerr’s stunning goal wasn’t enough to drag Australia to a maiden World Cup final, as goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo secured a 3-1 victory for the Lionesses.
While the reigning European champions are back in Sydney on Sunday evening to take on Spain with a World Cup on the line, Australia will have to settle for third place in the play-off against Sweden on Saturday.
Described historically as the game no team wants to play, third place will nonetheless give Australia the chance to secure their best-ever result at a World Cup after reaching their first-ever semi-final.
Sweden, who lost their semi-final 2-1 to Spain, is an expert when it comes to finishing third in the play-offs, having won the bronze medal in 1991, 2011 and 2019.
Daily Mail Australia has you covered with everything you need to know ahead of the game.
Australia’s bid for World Cup glory came to an end in Sydney on Wednesday night
Alessia Russo scored a late goal as England beat the Matildas 3-1 to progress to the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday
Australia will play Sweden for third place in Brisbane on Saturday evening
When and where is the competition?
Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday at 6pm AEST (9am BST), with the action taking place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the site of the Matildas’ thrilling penalty shootout win against France in the quarter-finals.
How can I view it?
The match will be broadcast free of charge on Channel Seven with the broadcast starting at 5pm. Viewers can also see it on the broadcaster’s streaming service, 7Plus. Subscribers can also watch the match on Optus Sport from 5 p.m.
Viewers in the UK can catch all the action live on ITV1 and stream on ITVX.
Where can I watch it?
Live sites have been added in cities across Australia for Matildas fans to come together.
NSW Premier Chris Minns opened the Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and the Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park to the public for the semi-finals and the same can be expected for the third place play-offs.
The two venues complement the FIFA Fan Festival hosted at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, while Melbourne fans can gather at Federation Square and AAMI Park.
Live sites have also been placed on Brisbane’s Riverside Green and South Bank, Adelaide’s Festival Plaza and Memorial Drive, and Perth’s Forrest Place.
A more detailed list of options is available here.