Women’s World Cup Semifinal 1: Sweden, Spain look to book spot in final
Only 4 groups stay from the 32 that entered the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
On Aug. 20, a brand new identify will likely be topped champions of the world. But earlier than that, the ultimate 4 will battle for a coveted place within the last.
The first semifinal between Spain and Sweden will kick off at 4:00 a.m. ET in Auckland on Tuesday. It’s tapped to be a fiery match between two passionate, technical and resilient groups.
Here’s all the pieces you should find out about tomorrow’s must-win conflict.
Last day out
La Roja had been first to advance to the semis after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in additional time. Jorge Vilda’s squad appeared to have put off-field points apart to achieve the ultimate 4 for the primary time of their historical past.
On the opposite hand, Sweden pulled off a formidable 2-1 win over match favourites Japan to ebook their spot in Tuesday’s recreation. After knocking off Japan – and the reigning champions USA within the spherical of 16 – Sweden will likely be carrying momentum.
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Spain at-a-glance
Spain started their match with lightning velocity, profitable 3-0 over Costa Rica and 5-0 over Zambia. They had been on their strategy to topping Group C till being dismantled 4-0 by Japan.
However, the blip was short-lived because the Spainards made gentle work of Switzerland within the spherical of 16. In the emphatic 5-1 win, Aitana Bonmati scored a brace.
Their quarterfinal fixture in opposition to the Netherlands was dramatic to say the least. Although Spain appeared the dominant group for a lot of the sport, the scoreline remained even and the match went to additional time.
In the top, Salma Paralluelo scored the winner within the 111th minute, which hit the put up and ricocheted into the netting. The 18-year-old got here off the bench and have become Spain’s hero. It’s doable Paralluelo’s efficiency may assist her break tomorrow’s beginning XI.
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Bonmati headlines La Roja whereas Putellas takes a backseat
A speaking level of Spain’s match has been Alexia Putellas. So far, the two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner has been on the periphery for La Roja. She hasn’t discovered the online, and solely got here off the bench within the final two matches. She’s coming off an ACL damage, so she’s not in prime kind. However, it says rather a lot concerning the Spanish squad to succeed with out their star participant.
Amidst Putellas’ absence, Bonmati, Alba Redondo, Jennifer Hermoso and veteran Esther Gonzalez have stepped up.
Bonmati, who has three objectives and two assists to her identify, will notably be a participant to observe tomorrow. Her velocity, approach and ball management may unravel the Swedish backline.
This is Spain’s greatest Women’s World Cup displaying so far, and is a welcome outcome after bowing out of the 2022 EUROs within the quarterfinals on the hand of England.
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Sweden at-a-glance
Unlike Spain, the Swedes had a nervy begin to their World Cup marketing campaign.
In their opening match, they trailed South Africa 1-0 on the half earlier than scoring two objectives close to the top to seal the win. However, they took care of business within the different group video games, profitable 5-0 over Italy and 2-0 over Argentina to prime Group G.
The Blagult’s subsequent check got here after they confronted reigning World Cup champions USA within the spherical of 16. In each common and further time, Sweden solely managed one shot on the right track however held on to pressure penalties. In a nail-biting spherical of spot kicks, Peter Gerdardsson’s aspect pulled off the upset with a rating of 5-4.
In the quarterfinals, many thought the third-ranked Swedes would fall to Japan, who had been having fun with a medical and fashionable match.
Thanks to a aim from Amanda Ilestedt and a transformed penalty from Filippa Angeldal, Sweden surprised the Nadeshiko with their resilience and talent to search out holes of their defence. Despite a late aim from Honoka Hayashi, Japan couldn’t equalize and had been despatched packing.
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Musovic and Ilestedt may assist Sweden attain the ultimate
Having reached the semifinals of their final three main tournaments, together with profitable silver on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Sweden will look to advance to the finals and really earn the gold whereas they’re at it.
While Sweden has at all times been a prime worldwide contender, they’ve maybe been underestimated at this World Cup.
Chelsea keeper Zecira Musovic has had a standout match, whereas Ilestedt grew to become a shock favorite for the Golden Boot. The Arsenal defender is at present seated second for the honour with 4 objectives.
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History and betting odds
This is simply Spain’s third World Cup, whereas Sweden has appeared in each match. Although the Spainards are making their first semifinal look, the Blagult have reached the semis 5 occasions. Sweden made it to the ultimate as soon as, in 2003, dropping 2-1 to Germany in additional time.
Spain and Sweden have met simply twice earlier than. The first got here in group play within the 1997 EUROs, when Sweden gained 1-0. Their second fixture got here extra lately, in an October pleasant final 12 months. The match ended 1-1 with objectives from Marta Cardona and Rebecka Blomqvist.
According to Sports Interaction, Spain is favoured to win the match at +108. While Sweden is +250 to get the win.
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