Mackenzie Arnold started Australia’s final match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they fell to defeat against Sweden in the Third Place Play-off match.
Having lost to England in the semi-finals, the Matildas took on Sweden at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane looking to pick up a bronze medal away from what has been a record-breaking tournament for Tony Gustavsson’s team.
However, they couldn’t find a way to cap off their World Cup campaign on home soil with victory, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to the Swedes.
Fridolina Rolfö side footed a penalty low into the right corner, just out of reach of the diving Arnold to open the scoring on 30 minutes – after Stina Blackstenius was clipped by Claire Hunt in the area.
And on the hour mark, Blackstenius played a superb square ball to Kosovare Asllani, who fired in a stunning first-time shot to double their lead.
Despite the defeat, Australia have recorded their best ever World Cup finish, and their performances in this tournament are sure to have inspired fans in green and gold for many years to come.
Arnold will now take some time to rest and recuperate, before rejoining the Hammers at Chadwell Heath as preparations begin for the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Super League season.
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