A whole lotta Schelin in this World Cup
After eliminating Norway in the group stage, the Matildas could not become Scandinavian giant killers falling to Sweden in the quarters. But they did stretch their opponents as Ellyse Perry scored to make inroads into Sweden's lead. Lisa De Vanna, Tameka Butt and Kyah Simon kept the back line busy and Collette McCallum was a constant threat with her set pieces.
Australia could have made it more competitive but a defensive giveaway gifted Sweden their third goal as Lotta Schelin pounced on Kim Carroll's casual back pass to put the ball past Melissa Barbieri. Schelin and Therese Sjogren were the architects in Sweden's win as the former set up the latter for Sweden's first goal. Sjogren then found Lisa Dahlkvist with her inch perfect cross to send up Sweden two ahead.
Sweden now take on Japan in the semi-finals between two technically gifted teams. The Nadeshiko have shown they're not afraid of a physically superior side having shocked Germany yesterday. Their underrated defense have been the surprise of this World cup.
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