Spain vs Sweden predictions: Tight semi-final looks likely
- Sweden have conceded just two goals in their five World Cup matches
- There have been at least three goals in 11 of Spain’s last 13 matches
- Recommended bet: Draw
A new winner of the Women’s World Cup will be crowned this month and both Spain and Sweden will be confident that they can qualify for the final when they meet at Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday.
Spain booked their place in the last-four with an extra-time win over the 2019 runners-up the Netherlands, while Sweden’s confidence should be high after they saw off one of the tournament’s best performers so far, Japan, in the quarter-finals.
Team news
Salma Paralluelo’s extra-time goal took Spain through to the last four after she came on as a substitute against the Netherlands and the Barcelona forward will hope she has done enough to earn a place in the starting line-up.
The same goes for Ballon d’Or holder Alexia Putellas, who was only introduced into the action in Wellington during the first half of extra-time.
The Swedes have reported no injury concerns for the semi-final and could stick with the line-up that overcame Japan.
The stats
Sweden defender Amanda Illestadt has scored four goals during the tournament.
Spain have scored 15 goals in their five World Cup matches.
Sweden have suffered just three defeats in their last 30 outings.
Both teams have scored in just four of Spain’s last 16 games.
Prediction
All four teams remaining in the Women’s World Cup will feel the draw has opened up for them, but while Sweden and Spain have shown their goalscoring ability in Australia and New Zealand, Tuesday’s game could be a cagey affair.
There is so much at stake and Spain, in particular, will be conscious that they cannot take anything for granted, particularly as they were brushed aside 4-0 by Japan in their final group game.
Sweden beat Futoshi Ikeda's side in their quarter-final to demonstrate their threat, and Spain will need to be at their best to progress.
However, fatigue could have a big part to play as Peter Gerhardsson's side needed extra-time and penalties to get past holders the USA, in a game they were under pressure for large parts, while Spain’s last-eight clash with the Netherlands was also extended.
La Roja created plenty of chances in that game, outshooting the Dutch 28-10, but did not turn their opportunities into the number of goals they had threatened.
It would be dangerous for them to underestimate Sweden, who have looked strong throughout the tournament and overcame a similar scenario to eliminate the two-time defending champions, losing the shot count to the USA 22-9 before winning on penalties.
The Blue and Yellow have also been an immense threat at set-pieces.
The occasion will also be new to La Roja, in particular, who had never previously passed the last-16 stage at a World Cup, and there could well be a safety first approach from both sides with the final in sight.
These two sides played out a 1-1 draw the last time they met last year and a similar result looks well worth considering given what is at stake.
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