After the disappointment of losing their respective semi finals, Sweden and Australia turned out at Brisbane Stadium for the penultimate match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. It's the game no one really wants to take part in, but each team has to lift themselves for one last hurrah. Sweden had been in this position before. For Australia - The Matildas - it was unchartered territory.
The Matildas couldn't quite lift their game enough to match Sweden who deserved their Bronze medal. All Australian's, players, support staff, spectators, were all deflated, but the nation stood pround to applaud the efforts that achieved much more than most could have hoped for.
Another sell out crowd of 49,461 was on hand to witness the game. Well, at least they said it was a sell out. There were plenty of seats available - unoccupied. What is going on ? (19th August 2023).
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A YOUNG "TERROR"
Attracted by the lure of the bright lights and history associated with the Terrors, this young man can't wait to attend his first game at Imperial Fields.
Show me the way.
Left: Imperial Fields is where?
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EMBRACING THE CAUSE!
Saccharoymyces Beer Café, a local craft beer establishment in Fish Lane, South Brisbane, is an unofficial gathering point for a drink before the game. It attracts all ages. Here, The Terrors youngest supporter Down Under, proudly wears the Terrors scarf.
Right: Support from an early age and you support for life!
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SWEDISH FLAG
The National Anthems are played.
Each country's flag is held for the benefit of the TV cameras and we are moments away from the first whistle of the game.
Left: Both teams line up for the national anthems in front of their country's flag.
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ONE MORE TIME!
The Matildas gather in a pre match huddle and the captain, Sam Kerr, rallies her troops for one more effort. It's captured on the big screen for the crowd to share the moment.
Left: Rallying the Troops for one last effort.
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FRIEND OR FOE?
Football purists will argue this one well after the final whistle has gone. Is VAR the new saviour or scourge of football? It is used selectively in games to suit and it doesn't always make the right call. It's controversial and you won't see it at Imperial Fields any time soon.
The crowd groaned as the referee headed for the monitor. They weren't happy with the result - a penalty to Sweden.
Left: Three people in the VAR bunker saw something. 50,000 fans didn't.
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YELLOW v YELLOW
Sweden go ahead, courtesy of a VAR penalty and the Swedish fans - a little hard to distinguish from the Australian fans as both wear yellow - celebrate.
Left: Swedish Yellow and Blue JUST stands out from The Matildas' Yellow and Green
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A SWEDISH "TERROR"
This modern day Viking managed to get a ticket just three days before the game. Having lived in Australia for 30 years, she was backing the team in yellow or yellow!
Left: It's true! All Vikings have blonde, golden hair.
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IT'S A SECOND GOAL
Sweden made it harder for the Matildas when captain Kosovare Asllani scored in the 62nd minute to put her country 2-0 up.
Left: The Swedish team celebrate their second goal.
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WINNERS ARE GRINNERS
Even if it's only third place, it still means alot to have a medal placed around your neck to recognise the achievement after four weeks and seven hard games against some of the best teams in the world.
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