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Spain continues its successful campaign at the Women’s World Cup by playing in its first semi-final against third-placed powerhouse Sweden in the FIFA rankings.
The Spaniards, led by the talented Aitana Bonmatí in midfield, will be looking to maintain their historic progress that brought them to the gates of the World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.
The fight takes place in Auckland next Tuesday night at 08:00 GMT.
In the other semi-final, hosts Australia host England in Sydney on Wednesday at 10:00 GMT.
Spain’s path has been thorny, from the injury of Spain’s captain and star dropper Alexia Butellas at the World Cup to the resignation of 15 players before the tournament due to differences with coach Jorge Vilda.
But Butellas’ absence was overshadowed by Ponmati’s leadership, and Vilda vows not to “replace” any of his 23 picks.
While Spain reached the semi-finals with some setbacks and difficulties, Sweden is on the rise, knocking out the USA in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16.
Spain got off to a lightning start in the World Cup against Costa Rica (3-0) and Zambia (5-0), but suffered a heavy setback against Japan, which saw them go down 4-0.
Wilda insisted his team “will never forget” the defeat against Japan as it allowed him to analyze mistakes and correct them.
“La Roja” bounced back from a 5-1 Japanese blow against Switzerland in the round of 16 and then won 2-1 in extra time against the Netherlands, one of the teams designated as candidates to lift the trophy.
“We’re very focused on what unites us, the spirit of this team,” midfielder Irene Guerrero told reporters Sunday after practice at Auckland’s North Harbor Stadium.
“Now we are focused on giving life to what we have achieved, which is our maximum motivation to face Sweden and qualify for the final,” he added.
Test
The Swedes expect to see something similar to what they faced against Spain against the USA and Japan.
“It’s good that we played against America and Japan before this game because Spain are like a combination of those two with the possession and physicality they have,” Swedish defender Natalie Bjorn told reporters on Sunday.
But Sweden will rely on Euro 2022 as well as the experience of reaching the third semi-final of the last four World Cups in Australia and New Zealand.
In this regard, midfielder Johanna Ganerit commented, “We have had many good results in recent matches, it is no coincidence that we are in this position, this time we have more confidence in ourselves. We expect a good result against Spain”.
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