Everton’s Olympians Nathalie Björn and Anna Anvegård will compete for gold this Friday after Sweden beat Australia 1-0 in Yokohama.

The semi-final was an edgy affair as not a great deal could separate the two sides over the course of the 90 minutes.

Goals had been flying in for the two nations with Sweden having scored 12 and Australia netting eight times heading into Monday’s match.

While Sweden got the better of their last-four opponents in the group stage – beating the Matildas 4-2 – it was clear that this was going to be a much closer and more intense tie.

Björn started the match in central defence against a nation who struck four goals past Team GB on Friday.

Unfortunately for Anvegård, there was no space in the matchday squad as the forward supported Sweden from the stands.

Both nations had their chances in the first half with Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfö denied by the crossbar and Chelsea’s Australian forward Sam Kerr having her strike ruled out due to a foul in the build-up.

However, seconds into the second half, Sweden found their opener.

Filippa Angeldal’s shot from distance was deflected towards goal, with Australia’s Teagan Micah only able to palm away the strike for Rolfö to make good on her missed opportunity in the first half by tapping it past the goalkeeper to give Sweden the lead.

From there, Sweden continued to dominate and kept Australia’s frontline away from goal as they held on for the win and a place in the Olympic Games final.

Björn and Anvegård’s nation will face off against Canada, who beat the USA 1-0 earlier in the day.