With third place in a World Cup at stake, the coach will prioritise ‘continuity’, suggesting he may field a starting line-up similar to the previous six matches.
Tony Gustavsson appears unlikely to rotate his squad for Australia’s final World Cup match, saying he won’t make selection decisions “based on emotions” when third place is at stake.
That question is underlined by the blanket of fatigue over many core members of his squad, who were visibly spent during periods of the 3-1 semi-final loss to England. Alex Chidiac, who was brought on against England with two minutes of regular time remaining, appears unlikely to feature heavily against Sweden on Saturday.“This is a third-place game, we’re playing for a medal. I’m going to make sure we have a line-up there that is the strongest starting line-up we can have, but also the strongest finishing line-up.
Saturday’s play-off for World Cup bronze at Suncorp Stadium will mark the fifth time in Gustavsson’s tenure he has managed the Matildas against his native country, including a semi-final loss at the Tokyo Olympics.“These players don’t shy away from a tackle and neither do Sweden,” Gustavsson said on Friday. “It’s going to be a physical battle out there, for sure.“I’ve gotten to learn how to play against Sweden in tournaments. It is special, I have to say it really is.
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