Spain vs Sweden LIVE: Women’s World Cup team news and updates from semi-final | OneFootball

England "ready to fight" vows Walsh ahead of WC semi-final

Spain face Sweden in the first Women’s World Cup semi-final as both nations go in search of their first tournament crown.

Sweden produced their best performance of the World Cup to defeat Japan 2-1 in the quarter-finals, knocking out the team of the tournament with a display of high-tempo pressing while continuing to take their chances at set-pieces. Centre-back Amanda Ilestedt is Sweden’s top-scorer with four goals so far, with the defender in the race for the World Cup golden boot.

Spain required Salma Paralluelo’s extra-time goal to defeat Netherlands and have navigated a player mutiny under head coach Jorge Vilda to reach their first ever World Cup semi-final. Despite uncertainty off the field, Spain have shone on it, led by Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati. The winner will play either.

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Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Fridolina Rolfo on facing Spain, as well as a raft of her Barcelona teammates, in the semi-final: “Yes, I was nervous. They’re my team-mates and also they’re really good friends, people I think a lot of. We have a very special bond at Barcelona. It’s hard to describe.

“I have been cheering for them in every game. We have been sending each other messages throughout the tournament – congratulations when they win or we win. It was supposed to be my relaxation time after lunch, and it wasn’t very relaxing, but I’m very happy for them that they won.

“I want them to go far in this tournament. Or I did. I think they’ve now gone far enough!”

On her Barcelona teammate and Spain star Aitana Bonmati: “What can you say? She’s absolutely amazing. She’s one of my closest friends on the team. She had a great season for Barcelona, and she’s having an incredible World Cup.

“She’s one of those players who makes a difference. Her skills on the ball and ability to read the game are unique. To be honest, even though people are talking about her a lot, I still don’t think she gets the credit she deserves. If you watch what she does on the field, it’s hard to believe.”

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2023 07:09

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Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Spain coach Jorge Vilda said his team would not be in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals if the country’s soccer federation had not backed him during last year’s player revolt.

Spain will battle Sweden in Auckland on Tuesday for a place in the final, nearly a year after 15 players threatened to quit if the long-serving Vilda was not fired.

The Spanish federation’s boss threw his support behind Vilda, who froze out the mutineers from his squad before welcoming some of them back for the World Cup.

Vilda has since guided the team to their first World Cup semi-final, four years after they made the last 16 in France.

“You’re asking about the past but first of all, I would like to acknowledge the backing and the support of our president Luis Rubiales from the very first day,” he told reporters in Auckland on Monday.

“Without that we would not be here. I’m quite sure all of this would not have happened.

“We have a president who reacted with courage and put his trust in me and my technical team, and we are very happy about the whole process.”

Reuters

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2023 06:56

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Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Sweden centre back Amanda Ilestedt looms as an unlikely candidate to claim the Golden Boot at the Women’s World Cup, but it comes as no surprise to her team mates.

Ahead of today’s semi-final against Spain, Ilestedt has four goals for the tournament, one shy of the leading Hinata Miyazawa, who can no longer add to her tally after Japan’s elimination by Sweden in the quarter-finals.

All of Ilestedt’s goals have come from set pieces, while eight out of Sweden’s 11 goals at the tournament have followed dead-ball set-ups.

“I think set pieces is one our biggest strengths and something we work on,” Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani told reporters on Monday.

“I mean, Amanda is amazing, but we have so many players that are really good in the area. In the end, I don’t think anyone cares who’s the leading goal-scorer. The only thing we’re thinking about is winning games.”

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2023 06:45

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Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

European heavyweights Spain and Sweden will battle for a place in the Women’s World Cup final when they clash in Auckland on Tuesday.

Bookmakers have installed Spain as the 7/4 favourites to win the tournament after they beat Netherlands 2-1 in the last round.

They have a wealth of world-class stars within their ranks, including Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Alexia Putellas.

However, the technically gifted Spaniards will need to be at their brilliant best to overcome a Sweden team that have delighted in defying the odds thus far.

The Swedes were underdogs in the last two rounds but they dumped USA out of the competition and then battled to a famous victory over Japan on Friday.

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2023 06:36

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Good morning

Spain face Sweden in the first Women’s World Cup semi-final as both nations go in search of their first tournament crown.

Sweden produced their best performance of the World Cup to defeat Japan 2-1 in the quarter-finals, knocking out the team of the tournament with a display of high-tempo pressing while continuing to take their chances at set-pieces. Centre-back Amanda Ilestedt is Sweden’s top-scorer with four goals so far, with the defender in the race for the World Cup golden boot.

Spain required Salma Paralluelo’s extra-time goal to defeat Netherlands and have navigated a player mutiny under head coach Jorge Vilda to reach their first ever World Cup semi-final. Despite uncertainty off the field, Spain have shone on it, led by Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati. The winner will play either England or Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final.