The group of death could well turn out to be the group of Olympic medalists. Often this phrase is overused, but the top three from Group G are all in the Tokyo semi-finals.
Australia will face Sweden for the second time in the tournament but with the stakes much higher. On the line is a place in the Olympic Gold Medal match with the loser playing off for Bronze.
When these two sides met earlier, it was an entertaining but frustrating game for Australia. They took the lead against their much more fancied opponents but could not hold it.
A missed penalty kick from Sam Kerr cost them a chance to draw level and Sweden went up the other end to score a fourth and seal the match.
The two sides meet again on Monday night, both will be armed with the knowledge they gained just over a week ago.
Keys To Victory:
Sweden
They have scoring power, they scored three against the U.S.A, four against Australia, and two against New Zealand.
In the quarterfinal, they put another three past Japan. They do not quite score at will but they have various outlets to goal making them a difficult opponent to stop and their organization elsewhere makes them a hard team to break down.
Sweden has been flying in the Tokyo Olympics. They went into this tournament as a side in form and have continued that so far. They will be confident that they can beat Australia because so far, they have not put a foot wrong.
They have depth and talent on the wings, this was an area of concern against Team GB for Australia as it was when Sweden last played them. They will look to make the most of this again.
Australia
The Matildas have improved further since the group stage meeting. Sam Kerr scored twice in that match in since then they have added Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler to the list of players to hit the net these Olympics.
With each game, the previously maligned defensive setup has looked more comfortable and more flexible with each contest. Teagan Micah has emerged as the genuine first choice goalkeeper and Chloe Logarzo looks to be near full fitness.
Australia has more weapons than last time, but they cannot afford to miss any clear chances on goal if they are to win.
Key Player
Mary Fowler
She was impressive in her first start against the U.S.A but she was spectacular against Team GB in the Quarterfinal. Tony Gustavsson has used the young striker in a variety of roles. An experiment in midfield featured some good moments on the ball but some defensive lapses without it.
Her improvement since the Olympics began has been incredible. Fowler has clearly looked to work on her efforts without the ball, a final minute intervention against New Zealand helped secure the result and she was combative while disciplined against Team GB.
But it is what she can do with the ball that is most exciting. She has a quick turn, a good finish and a magnetic first touch.
Fowler is not as well known and maybe not as well scouted as Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord and could well emerge as Australia’s best weapon again in the semi-final.
Match Information
Australia vs Sweden Olympic Semi-Final
Date: Monday, August 2
Kickoff: 9 pm
Venue: Nissan Stadium, Yokohama.
