It’s likely that both Sweden and Australia progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup, but it’s not obvious what’s better -- second place or third.
Australia vs. Sweden, 2015 World Cup: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Winning might not even be beneficiary.
Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports
The Matildas don’t have the luxury of tanking, because it’s possible that they could get eliminated on three points, even if it’s not terribly likely. Still, it might be tempting -- the runner-up has an awful road. They’ll face Brazil in the next round, then likely Japan if they get through. The third-placed team could get Germany, but they could also end up in an easier bracket with Canada, then a possible quarterfinal matchup against a non-group winner. Whoever loses might end up in better shape.
While Australia have been very good to this point, their defense has been a tad shaky. They allowed the United States to have way more clear chances than Sweden did, and they were very lucky to keep a clean sheet against Nigeria. The good news for them is that Sweden's attack has been poor, but Lotta Schelin could come to life at any point.
Match date/time: Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. local
Venue: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English), TSN2 (Canada), Eurosport 1 (U.K.), SBS One (Australia), TV4 (Sweden)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S. - English), NBC deportes en vivo extra (U.S. - Spanish), BBC player (U.K.),
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