Spain’s scoring prowess has been off the charts at the tournament as they’ve bagged 15 goals along their Women’s World Cup journey.
Vilda’s side won their opening two group-stage fixtures against Costa Rica and Zambia by an aggregate score of 8-0 before slumping to a woeful 4-0 defeat to Japan on matchday three.
But Spain steadied the ship with an overwhelming 5-1 triumph over Switzerland in the round of 16 before squeezing past the Netherlands to move within two wins of a historic feat.
Although they’ve gone winless in all 11 previous meetings with Sweden (D4, L), La Roja will hope their unmatched firepower could turn their fortunes around at Eden Park.
Sweden’s 100% win ratio at the 2023 Women’s World Cup shows why they’re FIFA’s #3 ranked side, but they must overcome a psychological barrier to maintain their flawless record.
Since their only grand final appearance in 2003, they couldn’t progress beyond this stage despite having two opportunities in the last four tournaments.
Defensive solidity has provided a backbone of Sweden’s supreme run in Australia and New Zealand. They have racked up three clean sheets in five matches, conceding precisely once in the other two.
Gerhardsson’s team will have to showcase their resilience against the tournament’s most prolific attack if they are to break their ‘semi-final jinx’ and make a decisive step towards winning a long-overdue trophy.
Team News
Barcelona defender Laia Codina limped off the pitch in the second half against the Netherlands, casting doubt on her availability for this showdown.
Luckily for Spain boss Vilda, she is the only doubt for Tuesday’s fixture.
As for Sweden, Gerhardson has no reason to alter the starting line-up that held their ground against the United States in the first knockout round and kept Japan quiet in the quarter-finals.
He should continue to rely on Arsenal defender Ilestedt to keep things tight at the back and her club teammate Stina Blackstenius to lead the line.
Spain potential starting line-up:
(4-3-3): Catalina Coll; Oihane Hernandez, Irene Paredes, Ivana Andres, Ona Batlle; Aitana Bonmati, Teresa Abelleira, Jennifer Hermoso; Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey, Esther Gonzalez.
(4-3-3): Catalina Coll; Oihane Hernandez, Irene Paredes, Ivana Andres, Ona Batlle; Aitana Bonmati, Teresa Abelleira, Jennifer Hermoso; Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey, Esther Gonzalez.
Sweden potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Zecira Musovic; Nathalie Bjorn, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson; Filippa Angeldahl, Elin Rubensson; Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Kosovare Asllani, Fridolina Rolfo; Stina Blackstenius.
(4-2-3-1): Zecira Musovic; Nathalie Bjorn, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson; Filippa Angeldahl, Elin Rubensson; Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Kosovare Asllani, Fridolina Rolfo; Stina Blackstenius.