In a battle between to European sides, it was the Swedes who emerged victorious in the consolation game at the Women's World Cup. It was the second time that Sweden had won the consolation game, and the first since 1991. They were also Runner Ups to Germany in 2003. Lotta Schelin got Sweden an early lead when she got on the end of Nilla Fischer ball in the 29th minute and flicked in past French keeper Berangere Sapowicz. Sapowicz was injured on the play and had to be removed for Celine Deville. France, as they've done the entire tournament though, responded in the second half. Élodie Thomis snuck a shot inside the near post for her 2nd goal of the tournament to tie the game up in the 56th minute. Then things got a little ugly. France's Sonia Bompastor and Sweden's Josefine Öqvist got tied up on the end line, and while it appeared that Bompastor initiated, Öqvist responded by kicking Bompastor in the chest and was subsequently sent off forcing Sweden to play a man short the rest of the way. It got worse for Sweden when Fischer was involved in a collision and couldn't continue. Still, the Swedes showed their resilience and were rewarded when following a corner 29 year old Marie Hammarström, the twin sister of Sweden's backup goalkeeper Marie, absolute hammered a left footed shot into the top corner for her first career international goal and what would serve to be the game winner.
Photo Credit: zimbio.com
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