Matildas striker Caitlin Foord reveals black eye after physical clash with Sweden

Matildas striker Caitlin Foord took to social media to show off her injuries following the feisty semi-final match against Sweden on Saturday afternoon.

Foord had a brutal head clash with Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani before halftime, but she persevered playing the rest of the game wearing a head bandage.

Foord post a photo of her bruised eye on social media with a message thanking her fans for their support and said “the shiner is coming along nicely”.

The post on Sunday afternoon was made after she and her teammates were presented with the key to the city at an event in Brisbane.

The event saw the Matildas surprised by being joined on stage by singer Nikki Webster who performed the team’s favourite song ‘Strawberry Kisses’.

Foord sported sunglasses for the event, keeping her black and blue eye out of sight.

The intense match on Saturday saw Sweden defeat the Matildas three nill, placing the Aussies in fourth overall in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In a tweet on Sunday afternoon, Foord reflected on her disappointment in the result of the match.

“It’s hard to find the right words to sum up this campaign after the disappointed of last night, it hurts ALOT to not have a medal to show for the tournament we’ve just had,” she said.

Foord’s fellow teammates have also taken to social media to share their reflections on the World Cup.

Matildas goalie Mackenzie Arnold described the last month as an “emotional rollercoaster”.

“How it ended hurts, and it probably will for a while but some of the moments we created together are going to be remembered forever,” Arnold said.

“I have so much love for this team and this country. Thank you for creating history with us Australia. We couldn’t have achieved what we did without you.”

Midfielder Emily Van Egmond also posted a series of photos from the World Cup along with a message thanking her Australia.

“Disappointed to not of come away with a medal to show for the hard work this team put in – But beyond proud to be part of this amazing group & it’s so incredible to of created history & leave a ever-lasting legacy,” Van Egmond posted.

“Australia we couldn’t of done this without you! Thank you.”