The former Ballarat Lady Red Devils player was a second-half substitute in the loss which leaves the Matildas needing to beat reigning world champions, the United States, to keep their finals chances in their own hands.

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Cooney-Cross was introduced into the Matildas' midfield in the 63rd minute and battled hard in a game where her opponents showed why they're one of the medal favourites.

Sweden opened the scoring midway through the first half before a 36th-minute Sam Kerr header drew the Matildas level.

The Australian captain would bag another to start the second half and briefly give her side the lead.

A Swedish equaliser just four minutes later swung the momentum, before a darted shot from outside the box gave the 2016 silver medallists a 3-2 lead in the 62^nd minute.

Kerr had the chance to draw level again and secure a hattrick only for her 69th-minute penalty to be saved spectacularly by the Swedish goalkeeper.

A late goal guaranteed the result for Sweden and all but ensured the world's fifth-ranked team would finish on top of Group G.

Australia meets the United States at 6pm on Tuesday night (AEST).

A win would see the Matildas finish second in Group G and advance to the quarterfinals. A narrow loss could still see Australia qualify as one of the two best-performing third-placed sides.

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