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
30 mins: Half an hour played in Auckland. Spain have had two shots, Sweden none. Neither goalkeeper has had anything to do.
It’s not been the best! All very cagey, as you’d expect in a World Cup semi-final with so much on the line.
27 mins: Rare opportunity for Sweden on the counter, can’t quite get the final ball rigth though.
Spain continue to dominate possession, Caldentey leads the latest attack down the left. Clips the ball in, half-cleared by Sweden and Hermoso is unable to get on the end of the rebound.
24 mins: Big chance for Spain to create something, but they make a mess of it.
Redondo in all sorts of space on the right, takes her time before finding Hermoso with the cut back. The forward can’t get the ball out of her feet, Sweden get back and clear the danger.
21 mins: Brilliant turn from Bonmati, works the space for herself as Rubensson dives in.
Ball is clipped into the middle, Hermoso has made the run but it’s just over her head and through to the goalkeeper.
18 mins: Sweden struggling to get anything going in attack. Trying to be direct, but not accurate enough yet. Rolfo tries to bulldoze her way through the Spanish defence, door is eventually slammed shut on her.
Here come Spain again, Redondo skips inside but the pass is a poor one on the edge of the Sweden box.
14 mins: Close! Spain pushing now, Sweden are on the ropes.
Lovely build-up from the Spanish side, worked out to Carmona and the space opens up for the left-back. She lets fly from distance, skids just wide of the far post. Musovic wasn’t confident.
11 mins: First sign of either side threatening to open the scoring.
Ball looped to the back post, Redondo nods it back across goal and Sweden just about scramble it away.
9 mins: All fairly low-key so far in Auckland.
Not much noise coming from the crowd, though they haven’t been given anything to shout about yet.
Expected pattern of the match is starting to emerge, Sweden sitting back and letting Spain have the ball.
6 mins: Sweden seeing plenty of the ball in the early stages, they’ve made a confident start.
Blackstenius and Asllani have been holding it up well – Blackstenius had a chance to run at the Spanish defence, opted to turn back though as the space opened up.
3 mins: Caldentey skips into space on the left wing, stands up a decent cross but Musovic can claim it comfortably enough.
Wouldn’t expect to see too many crosses from Spain here, it’s Sweden who will have the advantage physically and in the air.
