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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 10h00
Spain will be looking to reach their first final at a major tournament when they meet Sweden in the penultimate stage of the
2023 Women's World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, August 15.
La Roja have already made history by qualifying for the semi-finals after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the round of 16 to make it three wins from four games in Australia and New Zealand.
The Spaniards failed to progress beyond the group stages on their debut in 2015 and were eliminated in the last 16 four years ago, while their best showing at the UEFA Women's Championship came in 1997 when they finished fourth.
Jenni Hermoso has been one of the stars for Jorge Vilda's side at the global showpiece, registering three goals and two assists. The Pachuca attacking midfielder, who sent Salma Paralluelo on her way to score the winner against the Dutch in extra time, is one of the veterans in the squad, having racked up over a century of caps for her country.
Vilda was at the helm when the two teams last met in a friendly on 7 October 2022 which ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Blagult winning their only other encounter 1-0 at the 1997 UEFA Women's Championship.
The Spanish tactician believes Sweden will be under more pressure to get a result as one of the title favourites, but insists his players are motivated to come out on top for the first time.
"My team has been able to bounce back from adversity, here and in the past. That's why I think we're ready," Vilda declared.
"It's true, Spain have never beaten Sweden but that's just an extra motivation for us. It is a unique opportunity. They may feel more under pressure to beat us. But have no fear, we can look them straight in the eye."
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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