Infoinsport.com – When Spain Women and Sweden Women meet at Eden Park on Tuesday, they will be competing for a spot in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2023.
Spain managed to outlast the Netherlands for over 120 minutes, securing their place in the final four. Meanwhile, Sweden narrowly defeated Japan in their quarter-final match.
Spain created history in the tournament by defeating Switzerland 5-1 in the last-16 match, thereby advancing to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.
La Roja kept creating more unforgettable moments in their quarter-final match against the Netherlands, where Jorge Vilda’s team emerged victorious after 120 minutes of captivating play.
The momentum seemed to shift in favor of the Dutch team when Stefanie Van der Gragt scored a goal in stoppage time to nullify Mariona Caldentey’s penalty in the first half. However, Spain regained control and ultimately secured a victory in extra time thanks to the performance of Barcelona’s young talent, Salma Paralluelo.
Spain is currently getting ready to participate in a semi-final of a major tournament for the first time since making it to the final four in the 1997 European Championships.
La Roja, who have scored 15 goals during their Women’s World Cup journey, has scored the most goals in the tournament and will be eager to demonstrate their firepower on Tuesday.
Following their dramatic penalty shootout victory against the defending champions USA, Sweden shifted their focus towards the upcoming challenge against Japan in the quarter-finals.
Japan came into the contest in impressive form, having won their first four games of the tournament with a total score of 14-1. However, Sweden displayed no signs of fear and swiftly established their dominance in the first half, taking the lead through Amanda Ilestedt’s goal in the 32nd minute.
Sweden increased their lead by two goals within six minutes of the second half, thanks to a penalty taken by Filippa Angeldahl. Afterwards, Japan missed their opportunity to score from a penalty kick as Riko Ueki struck the ball against the crossbar.
Despite Honoka Hayashi scoring a goal for Japan, the Europeans successfully defended their lead and secured their spot in the World Cup semi-finals for the fifth time in their history.
Sweden has tended to struggle at this stage of the competition, having lost three out of their previous four semi-final appearances. However, they will be aiming for a repeat of their sole victory in the last-four, which occurred during the 2003 tournament against Canada.
Spain Women vs Sweden Women Prediction
Spain Women possible starting lineup:
Coll; Hernandez, Paredes, Codina, Batlle; Bonmati, Abelleira, Hermoso; Paralluelo, Caldentey, Gonzalez
Sweden Women possible starting lineup:
Musovic; Bjorn, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldahl, Rubensson; Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo; Blackstenius
Spain Women 1-2 Sweden Women
Sweden has proven, through their matches against the USA and Japan, that they are a flexible team. With their strong defensive foundation, we believe they will be able to counter Spain’s threat and secure another victory, thus securing their spot in the Women’s World Cup final.
