Having lost in the women’s World Cup semi-finals, Sweden take on France on Saturday in the third-place play-off with both sides insisting they are going for bronze. Sweden went down 3-1 to Japan in Frankfurt on Wednesday, the same night France were humbled at the hands of two-time winners the USA in Moenchengladbach by an identical margin. While Japan and the Stars and Stripes march on to Sunday’s final, the French and Swedes will clash having both already secured the two available places at the London 2012 Olympic Games by reaching the semi-finals.
After his side were dominated by Japan, Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby explained why he pulled his squad together on the pitch in Frankfurt to demand they focus on finishing their campaign with another victory.
“This third-place play-off is very important for us, it is the reason why we got back together on the pitch,” said Dennerby. “I told the players we win and lose together, I said they have to enjoy the next match as we will be fighting for a medal in a few days. We need to recover and not be depressed.”
Although Sweden striker Josefine Oqvist opened the scoring with the opening goal after 10 minutes, Japan hit back as striker Nahomi Kawasumi netted goals either side of half-time while captain Homare Sawa poached a header. France suffered a similar fate.
After US star Lauren Cheney put the US ahead in Moenchengladbach, Sonia Bompastor equalised for the French before American forwards Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan put the result beyond doubt. But the French are also determined to finish their campaign on a high with forward Gaetane Thiney insisting: “I think it’s important to show that we are the third best team in the world.”
France coach Bruno Bini said his side have done exceptionally well to reach the play-off. “I’m proud of my players. Life’s still beautiful because we have earned the right to fight for third place, which is amazing when you consider nobody was talking about us two months ago.” For Sweden, the prize is bronze and the chance to perform their dance routine — inspired by French rapper Moussier Tombola’s hit Logobitombo — one more time for their fans in Germany.
