Australia have booked their place in the second round of the Women's World Cup after playing out a 1-1 draw with Sweden.

Needing just a point to qualify as runners-up behind the USA in Group D, Australia produced an impressive defensive display after the two sides exchanged early goals.

It was the perfect start for Australia when Laura Alleway sent a long ball forward to pick out Lisa De Vanna, who sprinted clear to fire home her seventh World Cup goal.

However, Sweden were back level in the 15th minute when Sofia Jakobsson cut inside from the right wing before beating Lydia Williams with a fine strike from the edge of the box.

Williams did come to her side's rescue during an extended spell of pressure from Sweden in the first half, with both Caroline Seger and Jakobsson being denied by impressive saves.

Australia looked much more confident at the back after the break, and they were almost ahead once again when Samantha Kerr sent a powerful strike just wide from 25 yards.

Sweden struggled to cause the same problems they had done in the first half as Australia continued to limit the chances on offer, with most efforts coming from distance.

Chances were difficult to come by for both sides in the closing stages as Australia dropped deeper to protect the draw, and their stubborn defence triumphed as they clinched a spot in the last 16.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill