An intriguing battle is certainly on the cards as Spain take on Sweden in the first of two semi-finals at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. La Roja have never gotten to this juncture in team history, but now, in their third ever appearance at a Women's World Cup, are just one match away from the final. Jorge Vilda's side were mostly flawless during their group stage campaign, easing to comfortable wins over Costa Rica and Zambia before suffering a shocking 4-0 defeat to Japan on matchday three.
That loss marked the first time Spain had conceded four goals in one match in nearly a decade, and as such, all eyes were on how La Roja would respond to that set-back. Well, Spain showed that they'd quickly moved past that shock defeat as they cruised to a 5-1 win over Switzerland to set up a showdown against 2019 Women's World Cup runners-up the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
A late goal from young striker Salma Paralleulo turned out to be the deciding factor to give Spain a 2-1 lead in extra time and avoid the match having to be decided on penalties. Meanwhile, Sweden have been in imperious form as the Blågult hope to finally get their hands on the World Cup trophy. Peter Gerhardsson's squad finished their group stage campaign with three wins out of three, beating South Africa, Italy, and Argentina to top their group and set up a showdown against the USWNT, who had finished as runners-up in their quartet with the lowest points total recorded in their team's history.
Sweden were far from their best against the USWNT, registering just one shot on goal (nine attempts overall) versus Team USA's 11 (22 attempts overall). Key to keeping the scores at 0-0 through a very tense 120 minutes of action was shot-stopper Zećira Mušović. The 27-year-old, who plays her club football for Chelsea in the WSL, made a record-setting 11 saves to keep her side in the match, which was ultimately decided literally by the slimmest of margins after a tense penalty shoot-out.
Indeed, without VAR, it's pretty much guaranteed that the game-winning penalty, which initially appeared to be saved by USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naher, would not have stood. However, a check revealed that Lina Hurtig's effort had crossed the line - by mere millimeters - giving Sweden the win on spot-kicks and setting up a quarter-finals tie against Japan.
Japan, thanks to their performance in the group stages where they scored a whopping 11 goals and conceded none, were shaping up to be potential dark horses in this competition - especially after easing to a comfortable 3-1 win over Norway in the round of 16. However, the Asian side, who won the Women's World Cup in 2011, were no match for Sweden, who overpowered them 2-1 to make it two consecutive knockout wins against two prior World Cup winners and set up their upcoming match against Spain on Tuesday.
Team news: Spain vs Sweden
Spain: Both Aitana Bonmati and Laia Codina are reportedly dealing with muscular issues and are a slight doubt as to whether they can feature in the starting XI, while Oihane Hernandez is suspended for this tie.
Sweden: Sweden, meanwhile, have mostly a full-strength squad, with only Sofia Jakobsson a potential doubt as she is dealing with a mild illness.
Match facts: Spain vs Sweden
- This is Spain's first time in the semi-finals, while Sweden will be featuring in the final four for the fifth time
- Sweden have faced Spain 11 times - to date, they've never lost, with a record of W7 D4
- Sweden have played at every single World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1991; however, they have only made it to one final (in 2003, when they lost to Germany)
Broadcast info: Spain vs Sweden
How can I watch Spain vs Sweden live?
USA: Like the vast majority of games being played at this summer's competition, Spain vs Sweden will have a very early kick-off time for fans hoping to watch the game in real-time in the USA. This tie starts at 4 AM EST (1 AM PST), but if you're willing to set your alarm early (or stay up late, depending on your location), there are plenty of choices to follow the game.
These options include catching the game on TV via FOX, while FOX Sports App provides an on-the-go choice and the match can also be streamed via Foxsports.com or Peacock.
For Spanish-speakers, they can check out Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo.
In addition, FuboTV and Sling TV offer additional live-streaming services, with Fox Sports 1 available on both FuboTV and Sling TV, while Spanish-speakers also will find their channels available on FuboTV.
Spain: Viewers in Spain have several choices to follow the match on TV or via live streaming, including RTVE.es, TVE La 1, and fuboTV España.
Sweden: Fans in Sweden can either follow this match via TV6 Sweden or Viaplay Sweden.
Live elsewhere? Here's where you can watch Sweden vs Spain live from wherever you are based:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
