Auckland played host to the first ever meeting between Sweden and Spain at a World Cup. A well-accustomed Swedish side arrived for their fifth semi-final, while Spain were embracing their first appearance at this stage of the tournament.

Our Swedish Blues were in from the start against Spain with a place in Sunday’s final the prize on offer. Zecira Musovic retained her place in goal having taken the tournament by storm with her performances, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd had proven a constant threat out wide.

Even contest

Sweden dominated possession in the opening exchanges but Spain started to grow in confidence with quarter-of-an-hour played. Olga Carmona found herself with space to drive into and came close to opening the scoring for the Spanish, but fizzed a purposeful left-footed effort wide of the post.

It was a tightly contested opening half-an-hour with Spain looking to cause problems for Sweden with deep crosses into the box. The Swedes stood firm defensively, but were yet to conjure a clear cut opportunity to test Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll.

Just before the break, Sweden almost found an opener when a looping cross towards the back post was met by Fridolina Rolfo, who connected sweetly with a volley that was beaten away by Coll, leaving the teams all square at half-time.

Frantic finale

After the restart, the teams continued to battle hard in search of an opening goal but chances were few and far between as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Rytting Kaneryd made a dangerous run in behind the Spain defence, but her powerful cross evaded three yellow shirts inside the box.

The best chance yet of the half fell to Spain and Alba Redondo with 20 minutes remaining. A cross from the left was brilliantly kept alive by Salma Paralluelo on the byline, she picked out Redondo who could only find the side-netting from close range, leaving Sweden to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

It was a frantic end to normal time when Spain appeared to have struck the decisive blow with 10 minutes to play as Paralluelo fired home from close-range. Sweden responded quickly through Rebecka Blomqvist, only for Carmona to break Swedish hearts with an effort from range, sending Spain into their first World Cup final and subjecting Sweden to the third place play-off.

What’s next?

Spain will take on the winners of Wednesday’s semi-final between Australia or England in the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday 20 August, with kick-off scheduled for 11am (UK time).

As for Sweden, they will face whoever falls short between Australia and England in the third place play-off match in Brisbane on Saturday 19 August, with kick-off set for 9am (UK time).

Our World Cup stars will return to domestic action when the Women’s Super League season begins in October. Click here to view our ticket bundles and find out how to secure your seats for 2023/24!