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2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Semi-finals
Spain v Sweden
Eden Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Tuesday, 15 August 2023
Kick-off is at 09h00
Title favourites Sweden will be in confident mood when they take on Spain in the semi-finals of the
2023 Women's World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday, August 15.
The Blagult were given a scare in their opening match of the tournament when they went behind against South Africa before going to record a 2-1 victory.
Peter Gerhardsson's side have been in formidable form since then, topping Group G with a 100 per cent record and eliminating two former world champions in the knockout stages.
The Scandinavians dumped out defending champions USA on penalties in the round of 16 before dispatching Japan 2-1 in the quarter-finals to set up a date with La Roja.
This is Sweden's fourth trip to the penultimate round of the global showpiece, having finished third on three occasions and falling just short in 2003 when they lost 2-1 to Germany in the final.
Their title challenge in Australia and New Zealand has been spearheaded by Amanda Ilestedt, who scored her first World Cup goal against Banyana Banyana before finding the back of the net another three times. The 30-year-old defender is firmly in the running for the Golden Boot as she trails Hinata Miyazawa by one goal with Japan now out of the tournament.
Gerhardsson has fostered a relationship with his players which is more often seen at club level and praised their ability to think for themselves on the pitch.
"They're very meticulous, they're interested and always give 100 per cent whatever it concerns and I think that's a very important aspect," he said.
"During tournaments like this we become more of a club team. They're nice, they're cocky when they're on the pitch and that makes me calm.
"The players are excellent at coaching one another. You don't always want a coach shouting at you from the sidelines, you want to make your own decisions."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 2
Spain - 0
Sweden - 1
Draws - 1
2023 Women's World Cup semi-final fixtures:
Tuesday, August 15
10h00: Spain v Netherlands
Wednesday, August 16
12h00: Australia v England
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