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14 Aug 2023


FBL-WOMEN-FRIENDLY-ESP-SWE

Spain's forward Esther Gonzalez (L) vies with Sweden's midfielder Elin Ingrid Johanna Rubensson ... [+] during the women international friendly football match between Spain and Sweden at the Estadio Nuevo El Arcangel in Cordoba on October 7, 2022. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP) (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

We are nearing the end of the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

We are now left with four teams that have never won a World Cup title. Come August 20th, a new World Champion will emerge for the first time.

However, before that, we will have the chance to witness two semi-final clashes.

On Tuesday, August 15, Eden Park is set to host a collision of strategies, with Spain’s possession specialists taking on Sweden's expertise in set-pieces.

A day later, 2022 Euro winners, the Lionesses, will strive to surpass the co-hosts, the Matildas, who eliminated Hervé Renard's France from the competition.

Here's a sneak peek into the upcoming Sweden-Spain matchup!

Sweden vs USA: Round of 16 - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Sweden celebrate beating USA in a penalty shootout at the FIFA ... [+] Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 06, 2023. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Future Publishing via Getty Images

Having won their three group-stage matches and displaying two remarkable performances in the knockout rounds by defeating two former World Cup champions, Japan and the United States of America, The Blue and Yellow squad will be seeking to maintain their momentum when they face the teammates of the two-times Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

The experienced Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani confirms her team will be counting on their experience in international tournaments. “We have gone far in the last few tournaments, but I am particularly pleased with the way we have done it this time,” she said. “We have won our matches in different ways, and it shows the strength of this team.”

Spain v Netherlands: Quarter Final - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 11: Spain players celebrate the team's 2-1 victory and advance to ... [+] the semi final following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Spain and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

FIFA via Getty Images

La Roja created history in Australia and New Zealand when they thrashed Switzerland 5-1 in the last 16 to reach the Women's World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

In the quarters, they eliminated the Netherlands, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup runners-up, in a thrilling match. Barcelona youngster Salma Paralluelo’s winner in extra-time was enough to see them through to the semis where they will be now looking to reach the final and eventually win it!

La Furia Roja’s only previous semi-final appearance at a major tournament was at the 1997 Euros. Their inaugural World Cup participation was in 2015, while their best achievement occurred in 2019 in France, when they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated.

Spain’s recent performances in international tournaments can be largely attributed to the ascendance of FC Barcelona's women's team in the realm of women's football. Widely known as Barça Femení, they have clinched the UEFA Women’s Champions League Winners on two occasions in 2021 and 2023.

Sweden Press Conference - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 14: Kosovare Asllani of Sweden speaks to media during a Sweden Press ... [+] Conference at Eden Park on August 14, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Getty Images

In the press conference, Peter Gerhardsson announced that Sofia Jakobsson has “mild symptoms of illness”, but he expects all of his squad to be available for the clash against Spain.

Spain’s playmaker Aitana Bonmati and defender Laia Codina are both nursing muscular injuries but are expected to be fit enough to play. Right back Oihane Hernandez will miss out due to a suspension.

Vilda’s biggest decision could be whether to start or bench the 19-year-old wonder kid Salma Paralluelo, who scored the winning goal in the quarter-final.

Spain v Netherlands: Quarter Final - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Salma Paralluelo of Spain and Barcelona celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the ... [+] FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Spain and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NurPhoto via Getty Images

In 11 meetings, Sweden dominated Spain with 7 wins.

Spain never managed to defeat their opponent. Will their first take them to the final?

Their last encounter was a 1-1 draw back in October 2022 in Cordoba.

Spain: With the superstar Alexia Putellas yet to return to her peak after recovering from an ACL injury, eyes will be shifted to her Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmati who already netted three goals for Spain in this World Cup. Salma Paralluelo's pace might also be the key to Spain's victory.

Sweden: Surprisingly, Amanda Ilestedt is the leading goalscorer for Sweden with four goals – all from set pieces. Scoring a fifth goal and sending her team to the final will be a dream for the center-back. Sweden can also rely on Zećira Mušović whose remarkable performance saw her make 11 saves against the USWNT.