Australia have not beaten Sweden since 1997 and that run continued on Saturday evening.
Tony Gustavsson named the same outfield players as he did against New Zealand after a strong performance in the opening game
Both sides were patient on the ball early and neither side was able to forge a clear-cut chance.
Ellie Carpenter played much more defensively than she did in the opening game, using her pace to snuff out early Swedish counterattacks.
Kyah Simon felt she deserved a penalty when she was bundled over in the box. Her claim was waved away by the referee without hesitation.
Sweden showed no signs of danger until the 20th minute, but they only needed one chance to score. Sofia Jakobsson got behind Catley and had plenty of time to find Fridolina Rolfo who finished beyond Micah.
Sam Kerr tried to answer for Australia when she surged into the box but the opportunity was snuffed out by some last-ditch defending.
The skipper delivered yet again for Australia when she met a Kyah Simon cross from deep. She out jumped the defenders to head home and beat the keeper by the nearest of margins.
Australia was controversially denied a penalty, Kerr was clipped by Hannah Glass after racing into the box. The referee waved it away and VAR supported her decision.
There was no denying the second goal when Caitlin Foord race in and crossed perfectly for Sam Kerr to score her third in two games. The ball looped over the goalkeeper for the Chelsea star to head into an open net and send the Matildas 2-1 ahead.
Four minutes later Sweden responded. Australia lost possession in the midfield and Sofia Jakobsson was set free on the left. The dangerous winger made her second assist of the game, crossing along the ground for Lina Hurtig to score.
Rolfo punished Australia for the second time when she had time to pick her place and shoot from 20 yards. Micah could do little to stop the shot it was hit with power and direction and Sweden had regained the lead.
After multiple penalty claims The Matildas finally had a wish granted. Caitlin Foord was clipped when she turned in the box but Sam Kerr’s was denied from the spot.
Australian hopes were dashed when Blackstenius scored a fourth for Sweden. The player that destroyed the U.S.A was given too much space in the penalty box. A lofted pass in only needed a glance to send it into the net.
SWEDEN’S STRONG ATTACK DOMINATES
The Swedish squad is deep. The starting lineup bore little resemblance to the friendly in June and Blackstenius was on the bench despite scoring twice against the U.S.A. She was able to come into the game and score another.
Asllani and Jakobsson were dangerous but the goals came from elsewhere. Australia defended well for the majority of the game but in the end, Sweden had too many players that could damage The Matildas.
AUSTRALIA CAN MATCH UP WITH THE BEST
Despite the gulf in reputation, The Matildas were neither outplayed or overawed. They attacked when they had the chance, moved the ball around confidently and only a game-saving effort from Lindahl prevented them from getting a result.
The U.S.A will be waiting but the Aussies will not be worried.
Olympic Women’s Football Group G
Australia
18. Teagan Micah, 2. Sam Kerr, 4. Clare Polkinghorne, 5. Aivi Luik (14. Alanna Kennedy 67,), 7 Steph Catley, 9 Caitlin Foord, 10 Emily van Egmond, 12 Ellie Carpenter, 13 Tameka Yallop (3. Kyra Cooney Cross 67), 16. Hayley Raso (11. Fowler 80), 17. Kyah Simon (15. Emily Gielnik 87)
Sweden
1 Hedvig Lindahl, 2. Jonna Andersson, 4. Hanna Glas, 6. Magda Erikkson, 8. Lina Hurtig, (11. Stina Blackstenius) 9. Kosovare Asllani, 10.Sofia Jakobsson (5. Hannah Bennison 78m), 13. Amanda Ilestedt (14. Bjorn 45m), 16 Filippa Angeldal (15. Olivia Schough 78m), 17. Caroline Seger, 18. Fridolina Rolfo ( 7 Madelen Janogy 87m)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Goals Aus: Kerr 36m, 47m
Goals Sweden: Rolfo 20m, 62m, Hurtig 51m, Blackstenius 82m
Referee Edina Alves
