“We’re really disappointed,” Kerr told reporters.

“Fourth again. It feels like the worst position to come.

“But as a whole, the whole tournament, we have to be really proud.”

Coach Tony Gustavsson rarely turned to his bench throughout Australia’s campaign and named an unchanged starting line-up, despite a three-day turnaround, from the 3-1 semi-final loss to England.

The gamble of not calling on some fresh legs did not pay off, although Gustavsson said post-match he stood by his decision.

The Matildas looked lethargic and leggy, lacking intensity and cohesion.

Bar a 10-minute period early in the first half, they were dominated by the Swedes, who were energetic and enjoyed a wealth of possession.

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who made multiple strong saves, was called into action in the opening minute, pawing away a shot from Stina Blackstenius after the striker was slipped through by Asllani.

In the 23rd minute, Hayley Raso forced a good save from Zecira Musovic at the near post but three minutes later, Blackstenius went down after Clare Hunt clipped her foot.

Following a VAR review, Rolfo coolly buried the spot-kick past Arnold, who dived the right way, into the bottom corner.

Barcelona star Rolfo scored the killer goal when Sweden beat Australia 1-0 in the Tokyo Olympics semi-final.

Gustavsson turned to Emily van Egmond and Cortnee Vine off the bench in the 60th minute but Sweden scored two minutes later.

Asllani pounced on a turnover, worked the ball to Blackstenius and kept running.

Under pressure from Hunt, the striker cut the ball to the top of the box to Asllani, who coolly fired home.

Clare Polkinghorne forced an excellent save from Musovic in the 70th minute and shortly afterwards she and Ellie Carpenter were substituted for Alex Chidiac and World Cup debutant Courtney Nevin.

But Australia couldn’t mount a comeback from there.

AAP