The Matildas’ last group game saw them take on Sweden with both sides vying for a spot in the Round of 16.
After a blistering start, a brilliantly executed pass by Laura Alleway was clinically finished by Lisa DeVanna in the fifth minute, giving the captain her seventh World Cup goal in green and gold.
Sweden, seemingly jolted awake by the Aussies early goal started to gain ascendency, holding onto possession and working their way forward looking for the equaliser.
Not long after, in the 15th minute, the Swedes were rewarded with a pile driver from winger Sofia Jakobsson that flew past Williams into the bottom right corner, bringing the scores level.
With growing confidence the Swedish side produced wave after wave of attack, almost capitalising from multiple corners.
Australia’s Lydia Williams denying all-comers with a great parried save and tip over the crossbar.
Another foray forward sent the Australian defence scrambling to clear another Jakobsson shot off the line.
Settling down and starting to regain composure, the Australians’ confidence grew as they made runs at the Swedish defence.
Emily Van Egmond’s long range efforts were high and wide, and a cross into the box from Samantha Kerr failed to reach Kyah Simon, who was seemingly brought down in the penalty box, only to be waved on by the Mexican official.
The Swedes, still dangerous on set pieces, tested the Aussie defence with Alleway and co. up to the task clearing the threat on numerous occasions.
After an even end to the half, the teams went into the break tied at 1-1.
The second half was a toughly contested affair, both sides looking to assert dominance and retain possession.
With the Matildas needing only a draw to see them through to the next round, many expected the team to focus on protecting the 1-1 score.
That wasn’t the case, as all three substitutions made by coach Alen Stajcic were attack-minded – Crummer, Heyman and Butt introduced for DeVanna, Simon and Gorry – making it clear that the Australian side wanted to secure their spot with a convincing win.
In her World Cup debut, 19-year-old Larissa Crummer was composed as she looked to penetrate and create opportunities up front for her side, coming close to lobbing Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl.
The Swedish side pushed up the park looking for the winner but were left exposed at the back, allowing Caitlyn Foord and Samantaha Kerr to combine and create dangerous attacking moves that threatened the defensive line.
After 94 minutes, the Matildas’ disciplined defence hung on for the valuable point that sees them progress to the Round of 16, where they’ll meet a classy Brazilian squad in the Round of 16.