Women's World Cup Tips: Kerr the key to Bet Builder as Australia face Sweden

• Hosts keen to take third place

• Kerr fit and firing

• Angeldahl no angel in Swedish midfield

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Australia v Sweden
Saturday 19 August, 09:00
Live on ITV

Matildas left to wonder what might have been

Football at the highest level can be about the most fleeting of moments, split-second judgements that can make or break a campaign, a match or a career. After a stirring run to the semi-finals of their home World Cup, Australia found themselves on the wrong end of those moments against England at Stadium Australia.

After Sam Kerr had scored a world-class goal to haul the Matildas level at 1-1, a slew of minor errors sent the co-hosts tumbling out in tearful fashion. Firstly, Ellie Carpenter failed to deal with a routine long ball under pressure from the outstanding Lauren Hemp, and the Manchester City winger was afforded the chance to fire the ball into the far corner past stranded keeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Then Kerr saw a chance fall to her just a few yards out at a set piece, with the ball dropping onto the right foot with which she had bludgeoned an equaliser. However, in a moment the Chelsea superstar will doubtless relive for the rest of her days, she fired wide with the goal gaping. Her pained expression summed up the mood of the nation.

Finally, the Australian rearguard didn't quite stay tight enough to Lionesses striker Alessia Russo, as she latched onto a delightful pass from Hemp, before steadying herself and ripping a low shot into the far corner. These are the moments that matter.

However, it would be churlish to be too critical of Tony Gustavsson's side. This has been a stirring and inspiring run for Australia, one that has had millions of fans glued to their televisions or turning out in stadiums. In a nation where football generally takes a back seat compared to cricket or rugby, the outbreak of Matildas fever was as remarkable as it was welcome.

Gustavsson isn't expected to tinker too much with his side, as they chase third place. Kerr should start again having recovered from her calf injury, while Alanna Kennedy hopes to return to central defence after illness.

Sweden the bridesmaids again

After suffering yet another agonising defeat in Sweden colours, living legend Kosovare Asllani said she was sick of crying "big tournament tears". Having been shredded by England in the semi-finals of the Euros, and having been pipped on penalties to Olympic gold by Canada, the Scandinavians once again fell short in a major tournament when they lost 2-1 to Spain in the semi-finals of this World Cup.

To make it worse, it was a slight error by wonderful Chelsea keeper Zecira Musovic that proved crucial. Musovic had defied the USA in a superb 11-save display, but her failure to tip over Olga Carmona's long-range drive was decisive. In truth, though, Sweden simply didn't do enough to test inexperienced Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, and it feels like an opportunity was missed.

Sweden have impressed at this tournament though. Amanda Ilestedt has led the charge at set plays, scoring four goals, which is quite some tally for a centre-back. Fridolina Rolfo has been a threat down the left, and Filippa Angeldahl has been rock-solid in the heart of midfield. Before her disappointing end to the semi-final, Musovic was an inspirational presence in her first major tournament as first choice.

Sweden have contested three third-place play-offs at the World Cup, and have won them all. We expect a strong team from coach Peter Gerhardsson, and possibly even an unchanged line-up.

Kerr can lead the charge

Sam Kerr was a menace against England, scoring a world-class equaliser and providing a constant threat in behind. I don't think it's unreasonable to think she could have a shot on target.

I'll throw in a foul from Sweden midfielder Filippa Angeldahl (she has committed ten so far at the tournament) and I think we can go for Over 1.5 Goals. Four of Australia's six WWC games have featured two goals or more, as have five of Sweden's six.

That gives us a combined Bet Builder of 11/102.11.

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