Spain vs Sweden LIVE! Women’s World Cup match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction today
The first semi-final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup takes place today with an early start for fans in the UK, and indeed all of Europe as Spain take on Sweden in New Zealand. The iconic Eden Park in Auckland hosts a fascinating showdown between two would-be first-time winners.
Sweden have not reached the final since 2003, with semi-final exits in two of the last three World Cup campaigns. Peter Gerhardsson’s side got off to a ropy start against South Africa but have since been imperious, seeing off holders the USA before beating a much-fancied Japan side.
Spain, featuring reigning two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, have put an off-pitch saga behind them to average three goals a game Down Under – despite being thumped by Japan in the groups. The winner, of course, will face the victor of tomorrow’s clash between England and Australia. Follow Spain vs Sweden LIVE via Standard Sport’s matchday blog below!
Live updates
How Spain got here…
Spain began their tournament with comforable wins over Costa Rica and Zambia, but they were then hammered 4-0 by Japn to finish as runners-up in Group C.
They’ve got things back on track in the knockout stages though, easing to a 5-1 win over Switzerland before seeing off the Netherlands after extra-time in the quarter finals.
Spain vs Sweden: Countdown to kick-off
Just one hour until we get underway in Auckland!
Sweden’s top scorer? A centre-back
Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt has made a real name for herself at this Women’s World Cup – as a goalscorer.
The 5ft8in centre-back has bagged four goals as Sweden make incredible use of set-pieces on their run to the final four.
Alexia Putellas returns for Spain
The big line-up news out of La Roja is the return of Alexia Putellas.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner was benched for the quarter-final but comes in for Real Madrid forward Esther Gonzalez, meaning Jennifer Hermoso starts up top.
There’s also a place for Olga Carmona in defence ahead of Oihane Hernandez.
Alexia Putellas
/ AFP via Getty ImagesUnchanged from Sweden
That’s the same XI Sweden put out against Japan in the last round with Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius leading the line.
As ever, Fridolina Rolfo is a big threat on the wing and the Barcelona ace will be very familiar with many of today’s opponents.
Sweden in the house
We’re expecting their team news soon
Spain vs Sweden prediction
The momentum is with Sweden. Far more experienced on this stage, that knowhow will be crucial.
Sweden to win 2-1.
Early team news
Salma Paralluelo was the hero off the bench for the Spanish in the quarter-finals and may well have done enough to earn a start.
Catalina Coll is expected to start in goal and it will be fascinating to see if Ballon d’Or holder Alexias Putellas is again named on the bench, having started there in both of the last rounds.
Sweden, meanwhile, are not suffering with any fresh injury concerns as things stand.
