BERLIN, July 16 -- Sweden defeated France 2-1 at FIFA Women World Cup to wrap third position for the second time in history thanks to the goals from striker Lotta Schelin and midfielder Marie Hammerstroem in front of 25,475 spectators at Rhein Neckar Arena on Saturday.
In an eventful match Sweden started with aggressive pressing while France failed to perform their pass play. As the match progressed France took over but had to suffer the deficit in the 29th minute when striker Lotta Schelin slotted home from penalty area to open the scoring.
"Les Bleus" remained unfazed but unable to equalize within the first half. France pressed frantically for the leveller and they were rewarded in the 56th minute as striker Elodie Thomis netted a through pass from 16 meter into bottom left.
With 68 minutes into the match Sweden striker Josefine Oeqvist was send off with a straight red card due to a violent conduct. From then on France dominated the match but unable to slot home the winner in superior number. Outnumbered Sweden shocked "Les Bleus" eight minutes before final whistle owing a terrific winner from 15 meters by midfielder Marie Hammerstroem to seal the 2-1 win at third position of FIFA Women Worlds 2011 in Germany.
At the World cup final Japan encounters the United States to fight for the World cup title.