San Diego Wave forward Sofia Jakobsson will return to San Diego from the international stage with a bronze medal after Sweden defeated 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia 2-0 in the third-place matchup on Saturday.
Sweden took the lead in the 30th minute after being awarded a penalty which Fridolina Rolfo coolly converted from the spot. The goal boosted momentum for Sweden, who were able to break up Australia’s attack well into the second half. Sweden capitalized off a counterattack in the 62nd minute with a strike from captain Kosovare Asllani for the final score of 2-0.
Jakobsson contributed two assists in the tournament to help Sweden to its second consecutive third-place World Cup finish. Meanwhile, fellow Wave midfielder Emily van Egmond entered the match for Australia in the 60th minute. Van Egmond recorded a goal and an assist during Australia’s longest World Cup run.
The Wave will welcome back the club’s international players from the FIFA Women’s World Cup at home against the Houston Dash on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Snapdragon Stadium. The first 10,000 fans through the stadium gates will receive a limited-edition World Cup Waves Bucket Hat. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m. PT, and the match will be streamed on Paramount+.
Notes:
- Sofia Jakobsson (SWE) and Emily van Egmond (AUS) were two of only three NWSL players remaining in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they faced each other in the Third-Place finish match on Saturday. Racing Louisville FC’s Alex Chidiac (AUS) is the third.
- Emily van Egmond helped the Matildas to their historic first-ever World Cup Semifinal. Van Egmond scored one goal and recorded one assist in four starts during the 2023 World Cup.
- Sweden made its fifth team appearance in a World Cup Semifinal and second consecutive third-place finish. Forward Sofia Jakobsson played in the World Cup Semifinals with Sweden in both 2011 and 2019. Jakobsson recorded two assists this tournament, as well as recording Sweden’s only shot on goal against the USA in the Round of 16.
