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!

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.”

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.

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.

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.