Spain vs Sweden LIVE: Women’s World Cup result and reaction as England learn potential final opponents

Olga Carmona struck a dramatic late winner to lift Spain to a thrilling 2-1 win over Sweden and send the Iberians into a first Women’s World Cup final.

Carmona’s 90th-minute strike from long range brushed Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic’s fingertips but still found the net just two minutes after Rebecka Blomqvist had levelled the match for Sweden in front of a baying crowd of 43,217 at Eden Park.

Salma Paralluelo, the quarter-final hero against the Netherlands, put Spain in the lead with the opening goal in the 81st minute, breathing life into what had been a slow-burning, cagey affair.

Less than a year after a player revolt tore the squad apart, ‘La Roja’ will have the chance to lift the trophy for the first time when they play either England or Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final.

Follow reaction from Spain vs Sweden as the semi-finals get underway, and get all the latest Women’s World Cup odds here

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain vs Sweden

• Spain defeat Sweden 2-1 in the semi-final to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup final

• Sweden fall short at the semi-final stage of a major tournament once again

• The Spaniards will play either England or Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final in Sydney

• 90’ GOAL! - Carmona drills one into the net from the edge of the box for some late drama (ESP 2-1 SWE)

• 88’ GOAL! - Blomqvist turns in the equaliser for Sweden (ESP 1-1 SWE)

• 81’ GOAL! - Paralluelo smokes Spain ahead in the closing stages (ESP 1-0 SWE)

Women’s World Cup: England vs Australia - Early team news

06:47 , Jamie Braidwood

What is the England team news?

Lauren James remains unavailable, with the forward serving the second match of her two-game ban, although she will now be free to play either the final or the third-place place playoff, depending on England’s result against Australia.

The Lionesses have a fully fit squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman kept her 3-5-2 formation against Colombia and is unlikely to make any changes given how well certain areas of the team are performing.

The back three of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood has excelled in front of goalkeeper Mary Earps, with Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly set to continue as wing-backs.

Keira Walsh will start at the base of the midfield, with Georgia Stanway alongside her. The one area of the team Wiegman may decide to change is in Ella Toone’s position given the midfielder’s form, with her Manchester United teammate Katie Zelem an option.

Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp both scored against Colombia and are set to lead the line, with Chloe Kelly and Beth England the other attacking options from the bench.

England and Australia’s old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment

Tuesday 15 August 2023 23:59 , Mike Jones

After Sarina Wiegman finished her press conference following the victory over Colombia on Saturday, she was so struck by the number of questions about England’s historic sporting rivalry with Australia that she immediately started asking staff members about the extent of it. The Dutch coach quickly realised she had underestimated how much this meant.

Those at the England camp duly filled her in, although, as one staff member laughed, “it’s not like we showed her old clips of the Ashes”. They maybe didn’t need to.

A trip to the shop beside England’s otherwise tranquil Terrigal base would have shown how intense it’s all getting, as the front page of The Western Australian - the newspaper that covers Sam Kerr’s home city of Perth- read, “And you thought the Ashes was big!”

Old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 23:36 , Mike Jones

Can Lionesses break semi-final curse?

The Lionesses’ first appearance in the final four, eight years ago in Canada, ended in heartbreak.

England were up against defending champions Japan, who took the lead through captain Aya Miyama’s 32nd-minute opener but saw it cancelled out by Fara Williams after just seven minutes.

The 1-1 draw looked destined for extra time until Laura Bassett directed a clearance into her own net in the first minute of second-half stoppage time and broke down in tears while Japan celebrated their last-gasp luck.

England ultimately beat Germany 1-0 through Williams’ extra-time penalty in the third-place playoff - still their best-ever finish in a global showpiece.

Four years later, the Lionesses beat Norway 3-0 in the last eight in France to set up a semi-final with the United States, who beat England 2-1 en route to defending their 2015 title.

The Lionesses finished fourth overall after losing 2-1 to Sweden in the play-off.

Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama

Tuesday 15 August 2023 23:17 , Mike Jones

Olga Carmona’s stunning late winner fired Spain into the World Cup final with a 2-1 win against Sweden.

In a cagey contest with few chances for either side, the game suddenly sprung into life in the final stages with three goals in the final 10 minutes of normal time.

Barcelona winger Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead in the 81st minute, but her goal was soon cancelled out by Rebecka Blomqvist.

But Carmona responded in emphatic fashion just one minute later, sealing a final clash against either Australia or England on Sunday.

Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama

England embrace a new identity to reveal World Cup strength

Tuesday 15 August 2023 22:50 , Mike Jones

It took Sarina Wiegman a moment to fully realise the enormity of what England now face in Australia. If a World Cup semi-final wasn’t big enough, the Lionesses will now play the hosts in Sydney for a place in the final. Amid the excitement of a fresh new chapter in this historic sporting rivalry, Wiegman admitted that coming up against Australia at this stage of the tournament is “going to be bigger than I imagined”.

But the Dutch coach was also focused on what had just come before, rather than what awaits England next. A semi-final against Australia is the dream fixture that will take this enthralling World Cup to another level, but England could not afford to take anything for granted given the way their quarter-final against Colombia unfolded. The manner of England’s victory, though, will only add to their growing confidence when they play the hosts on Wednesday.

England embrace a new identity to reveal World Cup strength

The Lionesses will need to beat an entire nation in the grip of World Cup fever

Tuesday 15 August 2023 22:25 , Mike Jones

It was the moment Australia stopped.

In Sydney, thousands gathered outside the Olympic Stadium and huddled together in the crisp winter air. In Melbourne, the Saturday night crowds at the MCG forgot about the Aussie rules match they had paid tickets for and rushed to find a TV or phone screen to see the drama unfold. Even several miles in the air, rows of passengers on a commercial flight were all gripped by the same tension that was uniting a country back down on the ground.

And then in Brisbane, as Cortnee Vine stood over the penalty to send Australia through to the Women’s World Cup semi-final, all those eyes were on her. After a goalless, nerve-shredding 120 minutes against France, the shootout produced an unimaginable level of drama, the longest ever at a men’s or women’s World Cup.

Australia had already missed two chances to win it, then they simply had to score to keep their home World Cup hopes alive. When Vicki Becho struck the post with France’s 10th penalty and Australia were granted another opportunity, Vine stepped up and sent a nation into delirium.

Australia fans arrived at Stadium Australia in their thousands to watch on big screens.

‘This will change everything’: How World Cup fever took over Australia

Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 21:29 , Mike Jones

As Sam Kerr declared herself “ready to go”, it was a warning for England that her World Cup has yet to start. With the Matildas enjoying their moment as Australia is gripped by World Cup fever ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against the Lionesses, it will not have gone unnoticed in the England camp that Kerr has yet to have hers.

Without a goal and without a start in the World Cup, the Australia captain has been building towards the stage where she can make her most important contribution. Indeed, if there was ever a team who knows that you don’t keep the striker quiet for long, it would be Australia’s next opponents.

When it comes to the big occasions, Kerr often proves to be inevitable. Kerr’s goals have strengthened Chelsea’s domestic dominance since signing for the club in 2019 but it is the timing of them that has led to her fearsome reputation.

Before last season’s FA Cup final, she confidently pointed out that she had never played at Wembley and not won a trophy. When she scored the winner against Manchester United, she extended her remarkable record in domestic cup finals to 10 goals in seven appearances, including the last six in a row.

Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

England would have underperformed had they not made Women’s World Cup last four claims Lucy Bronze

Tuesday 15 August 2023 21:00 , Mike Jones

Defender Lucy Bronze revealed England would have failed to live up to their own expectations had they not reached the World Cup semi-finals.

Alessia Russo guaranteed the Lionesses would finish no lower than fourth in the 2023 tournament when her second-half goal completed a 2-1 comeback against Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final to set up Wednesday’s meeting with co-hosts Australia.

Third place would see England equal their best-ever finish from eight years ago in Canada, but Bronze insisted reaching this stage for the third time in the European champions’ history was the bare minimum.

England would have underperformed had they not made last four – Lucy Bronze

Who and when do England play next?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 20:28 , Mike Jones

England face Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals as the Lionesses look to take down the hosts in Sydney.

Both teams are aiming to reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup final and the stage could not be bigger for the latest chapter of England and Australia’s sporting rivalry.

Australia has been gripped by World Cup fever with the Matildas’ dramatic penalty shootout victory against France in the quarter-finals becoming the most-watched sporting event in the country since the 2000 Olympic Games.

How many games will Lauren James miss at Women’s World Cup after red card?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 20:00 , Mike Jones

Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being sent off during England’s last-16 win over Nigeria.

The Chelsea star sat out England’s 2-1 win over Colombia in the quarter-finals, and will now serve her second and final game in the semi-finals against Australia.

That means that James is in line to play for England again at the Women’s World Cup, either in the final should they defeat the Matildas on Sunday, 20 August, or in the third-placed play-off on Saturday, 19 August.

How many games will Lauren James miss at Women’s World Cup after red card?

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 19:38 , Mike Jones

What is the Australia team news versus England?

Sam Kerr played 66 minutes in the penalty shootout victory over Australia and is close to being fully fit, with Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson facing another big decision as to whether or not to start his captain and star striker.

Gustavsson may decide to stick by his starting attack, with a front two of Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler leading the line and Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso providing threat from the wings.

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 19:18 , Mike Jones

What is the England team news versus Australia?

Lauren James remains unavailable, with the forward serving the second match of her two-game ban, although she will now be free to play either the final or the third-place place playoff, depending on England’s result against Australia.

The Lionesses have a fully fit squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman kept her 3-5-2 formation against Colombia and is unlikely to make any changes given how well certain areas of the team are performing.

The back three of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood has excelled in front of goalkeeper Mary Earps, with Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly set to continue as wing-backs.

Keira Walsh will start at the base of the midfield, with Georgia Stanway alongside her. The one area of the team Wiegman may decide to change is in Ella Toone’s position given the midfielder’s form, with her Manchester United teammate Katie Zelem an option.

Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp both scored against Colombia and are set to lead the line, with Chloe Kelly and Beth England the other attacking options from the bench.

How to watch England vs Australia: TV channel and kick-off time for Women’s World Cup semi-final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 18:57 , Mike Jones

England face Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals as the Lionesses look to take down the hosts in Sydney.

Both teams are aiming to reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup final and the stage could not be bigger for the latest chapter of England and Australia’s sporting rivalry.

The winner will play Spain in Sunday’s showpiece in Sydney, after La Roja defeated Sweden 2-1 in the other semi-final.

The Women’s World Cup semi-final will kick off at 11am UK time (BST) on Wednesday 16 August, and will be played at the Stadium Australia, Sydney.

England vs Australia will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer, with coverage getting underway from 10am.

England set to face ‘goliath of a goalie’ after Australia defeat France on penalties

Tuesday 15 August 2023 18:28 , Mike Jones

Co-hosts Australia beat France 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the last four of the Women’s World Cup for the first time after their quarter-final finished deadlocked at 0-0 following extra time on Saturday.

Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold saved three French penalties and missed one herself in the shootout but it was teenager Vicki Becho hitting the post with the 12th spot-kick that opened the door for the hosts.

Cortnee Vine showed nerves of steel when she stepped up to fire the ball past Solene Durand into the bottom right corner of the net and send the Matildas into a semi-final against England or Colombia on Wednesday.

England set to face ‘goliath of a goalie’ after Australia advance

How Georgia Stanway found World Cup ‘discipline’ for England thanks to surprise mentor

Tuesday 15 August 2023 18:04 , Mike Jones

As England are preparing to play Australia in the World Cup semi-finals so too, crucially, is Georgia Stanway. After playing through five matches at the tournament on a yellow card and with the threat of a one-match suspension hanging over her head, the combative Lionesses midfielder successfully walked the tightrope to reach the point where bookings are wiped.

A younger Stanway perhaps wouldn’t have been so careful, and would have fallen foul of her instincts to challenge for balls that were not there to be won. There was, admittedly, one nervous moment, during the heat of battle against Colombia in the quarter-finals, when Stanway thought she had pushed her aggression too far after a mistimed tackle. Overall, though, the midfielder has shown restraint and control to reach the semi-finals in the clear. “I’m very, very grateful about that,” Stanway laughs, and England are as well.

How Georgia Stanway found World Cup ‘discipline’ thanks to surprise mentor

Millie Bright confident England can cope with hostile atmosphere in Sydney

Tuesday 15 August 2023 17:40 , Mike Jones

Captain Millie Bright expects the hostile environment England will encounter against Australia in their World Cup semi-final to feel like well-trodden territory for the European champions.

Wednesday’s game is a sell out at the 75,000-plus capacity Stadium Australia in Sydney, with the vast majority issued to home supporters, who have backed their side in rapidly-rising, record-smashing fashion.

While the Lionesses – who are hoping to advance to a first-ever final – have so far been warmly embraced Down Under, Bright is acutely aware that millions of new friends will soon view them as foes.

Millie Bright confident England can cope with hostile atmosphere in Sydney

Focus on Spain ahead of the World Cup final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 17:10 , Mike Jones

Spain will face either European champions England or co-hosts Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory in their last-four showdown with Sweden.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at a team which have perhaps already-exceeded even their own expectations.

Style of play

Jorge Vilda favours a 4-3-3 formation and a possession-based game which he believes is aligned to the philosophy instilled by Johan Cruyff during his time in charge at Barcelona.

The system relies on high-tempo passing and movement and a relentless press in attack to create the space in which their highly-technical game-changers can thrive.

Familiarity is a weapon too – seven of the starting XI against Sweden play their club football with Champions League winners Barca.

Focus on Spain ahead of the World Cup final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:58 , Mike Jones

Spain will face either European champions England or co-hosts Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory in their last-four showdown with Sweden.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at a team which have perhaps already-exceeded even their own expectations.

Pedigree

Spain are playing at their third World Cup finals tournament, but had never before progressed beyond the last 16.

They reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2022, where they led eventual winners England with six minutes of normal time remaining before going down 2-1 in extra-time.

Ranked sixth in the world by FIFA, they are an emerging force in the international game and are bidding to add the senior World Cup to those they currently hold at under-17s and under-20s levels.

Focus on Spain ahead of the World Cup final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:46 , Mike Jones

Spain will face either European champions England or co-hosts Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory in their last-four showdown with Sweden.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at a team which have perhaps already-exceeded even their own expectations.

Key players

Twice Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is undoubtedly the star of the Spain squad on paper, but having fought her way back from the anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered on the eve of last summer’s Euros, the 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder has been used sparingly in the tournament and played only the opening 57 minutes of the semi-final, one of three starts to date.

In her absence, Aitana Bonmati, Alba Redondo and Jennifer Hermoso have each scored three times, but Barca team-mate and former international sprinter Salma Paralluelo, 19, has proved the woman for the big occasion with vital strikes from the bench in both the last eight and the semi-finals.

Focus on Spain ahead of the World Cup final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:33 , Mike Jones

Spain will face either European champions England or co-hosts Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory in their last-four showdown with Sweden.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at a team which have perhaps already-exceeded even their own expectations.

Coach

Jorge Vilda learned his football at the feet of his father Angel, who worked as a physical trainer for – among others – Luis Aragones at Atletico Madrid, Johan Cruyff at Barcelona and Jupp Heynckes at Real Madrid.

A physical education graduate, the 42-year-old was appointed boss in 2015 having worked with Spain’s under-age teams, but had to significantly remodel his squad after a rebellion in 2022 which saw 15 players make themselves unavailable – Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey have since returned to the fold – in protest at the conditions under which they were having to operate.

FA ‘disappointed’ after Australia fans secure tickets in allocated England section

Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:20 , Mike Jones

The FA has said it is “disappointed” after reports suggested that World Cup semi-final tickets allocated specifically for England fans were bought by Australia supporters.

A unique supporter code was reportedly leaked on social media ahead of the Lionesses’ crunch match with the Matildas on Wednesday – with a number of Australian fans claiming to have purchased tickets.

The additional 1,970 tickets were released at the weekend, and around 8,000 England fans are expected to be in attendance at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.

FA ‘disappointed’ after Australia fans secure tickets in allocated England section

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:00 , Mike Jones

Can Lionesses break semi-final curse?

The Lionesses’ first appearance in the final four, eight years ago in Canada, ended in heartbreak.

England were up against defending champions Japan, who took the lead through captain Aya Miyama’s 32nd-minute opener but saw it cancelled out by Fara Williams after just seven minutes.

The 1-1 draw looked destined for extra time until Laura Bassett directed a clearance into her own net in the first minute of second-half stoppage time and broke down in tears while Japan celebrated their last-gasp luck.

England ultimately beat Germany 1-0 through Williams’ extra-time penalty in the third-place playoff - still their best-ever finish in a global showpiece.

Four years later, the Lionesses beat Norway 3-0 in the last eight in France to set up a semi-final with the United States, who beat England 2-1 en route to defending their 2015 title.

The Lionesses finished fourth overall after losing 2-1 to Sweden in the play-off.

England and Australia’s old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment

Tuesday 15 August 2023 15:46 , Mike Jones

After Sarina Wiegman finished her press conference following the victory over Colombia on Saturday, she was so struck by the number of questions about England’s historic sporting rivalry with Australia that she immediately started asking staff members about the extent of it. The Dutch coach quickly realised she had underestimated how much this meant.

Those at the England camp duly filled her in, although, as one staff member laughed, “it’s not like we showed her old clips of the Ashes”. They maybe didn’t need to.

A trip to the shop beside England’s otherwise tranquil Terrigal base would have shown how intense it’s all getting, as the front page of The Western Australian - the newspaper that covers Sam Kerr’s home city of Perth- read, “And you thought the Ashes was big!”

Old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment

England embrace a new identity to reveal World Cup strength

Tuesday 15 August 2023 15:27 , Mike Jones

It took Sarina Wiegman a moment to fully realise the enormity of what England now face in Australia. If a World Cup semi-final wasn’t big enough, the Lionesses will now play the hosts in Sydney for a place in the final. Amid the excitement of a fresh new chapter in this historic sporting rivalry, Wiegman admitted that coming up against Australia at this stage of the tournament is “going to be bigger than I imagined”.

But the Dutch coach was also focused on what had just come before, rather than what awaits England next. A semi-final against Australia is the dream fixture that will take this enthralling World Cup to another level, but England could not afford to take anything for granted given the way their quarter-final against Colombia unfolded. The manner of England’s victory, though, will only add to their growing confidence when they play the hosts on Wednesday.

England embrace a new identity to reveal World Cup strength

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 15:14 , Mike Jones

Sarina Wiegman was pleased with England’s spirit in their comeback victory over Colombia saying:

“I think the team again showed some resilience and a lot of togetherness. And yeah, I’m just really proud again of the team. As a team, I think we did a great job.

“But at moments they had some crosses that were very dangerous and I think how we got them (the defenders) to solve that (worked) really well.”

Will the Lionesses manage to stick together against the might of Australia in the semi-final though?

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:58 , Mike Jones

Will England stick with Ella Toone against Australia?

England will again have to cope without star forward Lauren James as she serves the final game of a two-match suspension for stepping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.

She was replaced by Ella Toone against Colombia, who after the match said:

“She’s been amazing for us, but I’ve got to believe in myself and I’ve got to have that confidence going onto the pitch. I don’t let anything get me down, I don’t put that pressure on myself and I know my team-mates don’t either.”

Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama

Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:46 , Mike Jones

Olga Carmona’s stunning late winner fired Spain into the World Cup final with a 2-1 win against Sweden.

In a cagey contest with few chances for either side, the game suddenly sprung into life in the final stages with three goals in the final 10 minutes of normal time.

Barcelona winger Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead in the 81st minute, but her goal was soon cancelled out by Rebecka Blomqvist.

But Carmona responded in emphatic fashion just one minute later, sealing a final clash against either Australia or England on Sunday.

Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:29 , Mike Jones

The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape with the knockout stages underway in Australia and New Zealand.

Hinata Miyazawa is at the top of the standings with five goals, but Japan are out of the World Cup after their defeat to Sweden in the quarter-finals.

Alexandra Popp, one of the pre-tournament favourites for the golden boot, is also out and will be unable to add any more to her four goals after the two-time champions crashed out in the group stages.

Women’s World Cup golden boot standings:

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

England fan to sit at ‘other end of couch’ from Australian wife for semi-final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:14 , Mike Jones

An Englishman living in Australia with his Australian wife says they plan to “sit at opposite ends of the couch” as they watch England face Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.

Alex Finlayson, who is originally from Redcar in Middlesborough and now lives in Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia, said watching the match with his wife Kelly will create an “odd atmosphere”, but he will continue to root for the Lionesses.

Mr Finlayson said he will be outnumbered on match day as he and his wife will watch the game with their daughter Charli, 14, son Samson, 12, and their Australian friends who will all be supporting Australia.

England fan to sit at ‘other end of couch’ from Australian wife for semi-final

England reach familiar World Cup hurdle — but this time there’s a difference

Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:00 , Mike Jones

England are into the World Cup semi-finals and Lucy Bronze has been here before. She was there in Canada in 2015 to be dealt the heartbreak as Laura Bassett turned the ball into her own net and gave Japan a ticket to the final; she was there for that night in Lyon four years ago where Steph Houghton’s late penalty miss provided the customary anguish and the USA marched towards yet another title.

If you’re English, there’s a certain aura that surrounds semi-finals. Its near-certainty refuses to discriminate between men’s and women’s football and has long plagued records at the game’s biggest tournament: England make it to last four and that’s as far as they will ever go.

Such an idea looks like it could be about to unravel – and there would be few better circumstances in which it could happen. In years gone by, getting to the semi-finals has been the highlight in itself, but this time around there’s still some way to go to match what this team has already proven.

England reach familiar World Cup hurdle — but this time there’s a difference

Women’s World Cup

Tuesday 15 August 2023 13:40 , Mike Jones

Keira Walsh on captain Leah Williamson making the trip out to Australia to support England at the World Cup: “It’s a massive boost for the team,. To see her supporting us on the opposite side of the world, it’s not an easy flight.

“I think it kind of shows what she feels about this team. The first time I saw her she was actually standing outside my hotel room waving.

“She didn’t want to distract us on game day, so she kind of just stood outside and waved from there.

“To get the win and celebrate with her afterwards, I mean I imagine it’s not easy for her to watch those games because she would want to be playing in them, so I think for us we really appreciate her support.

“I think it shows what a good character and what type of person she is that she’s able to do that for us.”

The Lionesses will need to beat an entire nation in the grip of World Cup fever

Tuesday 15 August 2023 13:20 , Mike Jones

It was the moment Australia stopped.

In Sydney, thousands gathered outside the Olympic Stadium and huddled together in the crisp winter air. In Melbourne, the Saturday night crowds at the MCG forgot about the Aussie rules match they had paid tickets for and rushed to find a TV or phone screen to see the drama unfold. Even several miles in the air, rows of passengers on a commercial flight were all gripped by the same tension that was uniting a country back down on the ground.

And then in Brisbane, as Cortnee Vine stood over the penalty to send Australia through to the Women’s World Cup semi-final, all those eyes were on her. After a goalless, nerve-shredding 120 minutes against France, the shootout produced an unimaginable level of drama, the longest ever at a men’s or women’s World Cup.

Australia had already missed two chances to win it, then they simply had to score to keep their home World Cup hopes alive. When Vicki Becho struck the post with France’s 10th penalty and Australia were granted another opportunity, Vine stepped up and sent a nation into delirium.

Australia fans arrived at Stadium Australia in their thousands to watch on big screens.

‘This will change everything’: How World Cup fever took over Australia

Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 13:00 , Mike Jones

As Sam Kerr declared herself “ready to go”, it was a warning for England that her World Cup has yet to start. With the Matildas enjoying their moment as Australia is gripped by World Cup fever ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against the Lionesses, it will not have gone unnoticed in the England camp that Kerr has yet to have hers.

Without a goal and without a start in the World Cup, the Australia captain has been building towards the stage where she can make her most important contribution. Indeed, if there was ever a team who knows that you don’t keep the striker quiet for long, it would be Australia’s next opponents.

When it comes to the big occasions, Kerr often proves to be inevitable. Kerr’s goals have strengthened Chelsea’s domestic dominance since signing for the club in 2019 but it is the timing of them that has led to her fearsome reputation.

Before last season’s FA Cup final, she confidently pointed out that she had never played at Wembley and not won a trophy. When she scored the winner against Manchester United, she extended her remarkable record in domestic cup finals to 10 goals in seven appearances, including the last six in a row.

Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

England would have underperformed had they not made Women’s World Cup last four claims Lucy Bronze

Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:45 , Mike Jones

Defender Lucy Bronze revealed England would have failed to live up to their own expectations had they not reached the World Cup semi-finals.

Alessia Russo guaranteed the Lionesses would finish no lower than fourth in the 2023 tournament when her second-half goal completed a 2-1 comeback against Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final to set up Wednesday’s meeting with co-hosts Australia.

Third place would see England equal their best-ever finish from eight years ago in Canada, but Bronze insisted reaching this stage for the third time in the European champions’ history was the bare minimum.

England would have underperformed had they not made last four – Lucy Bronze

Lionesses’ results and route to World Cup final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:30 , Mike Jones

What were England’s group results?

22 July - England 1-0 Haiti (10:30, Brisbane)

28 July - England 1-0 Denmark (09:30, Sydney)

1 August - China 1-6 England (12:00, Adelaide)

What is England’s potential path to the final?

7 August: Last 16

England 0-0 Nigeria - England win 4-2 on penalties

12 August: Quarter-final

England 2-1 Colombia - England win 2-1

16 August: Semi-final

England vs Australia - 11:00, Sydney - Live on BBC One from 10am

Lionesses’ route to the World Cup final

Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:20 , Mike Jones

England will be out to spoil the party against Australia as the Lionesses look to make history of their own.

The European champions defeated Colombia 2-1 in the quarter-finals and are set to face another hostile atmosphere as they take on Australia and a near-80,000 capacity crowd in Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. The winner will play Spain in Sunday’s showpiece in Sydney, after La Roja defeated Sweden 2-1 in the other semi-final.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Lionesses’ run down under:

Who and when do England play next? Route to the World Cup final

Who and when do England play next?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:11 , Mike Jones

England face Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals as the Lionesses look to take down the hosts in Sydney.

Both teams are aiming to reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup final and the stage could not be bigger for the latest chapter of England and Australia’s sporting rivalry.

Australia has been gripped by World Cup fever with the Matildas’ dramatic penalty shootout victory against France in the quarter-finals becoming the most-watched sporting event in the country since the 2000 Olympic Games.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:01 , Mike Jones

Sweden’s exit means there will be a Women’s World Cup final featuring two teams who have never reached that stage of the tournament before.

It is the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1991 that this has happened.

Spain will be one of the team but who will join them, Australia or England?

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:55 , Mike Jones

This match was the first in Women’s World Cup history to see the first goal scored inside the final 10 minutes and still end with at least three goals scored.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:47 , Mike Jones

Spain have reached the final of the Women’s World Cup for the first time but prior to this tournament, they had won just one of their seven games at the World Cup.

(Two draws, four defeats)

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:42 , Mike Jones

Spain’s Salma Paralluelo, aged 19, became the second teenager to score in a Women’s World Cup semi-final, after Kara Lang did so at the age of 16 for Canada in 2003, also against Sweden.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:35 , Mike Jones

More from Fara Williams who was full of praise for Spain’s ‘togetherness’ saying: “These scenes are phenomenal.

“To think that Spain left so many players at home, so many of their first team players at home. It’s crazy.

“It’s surprising because with all of what’s gone on Spain have shown a togetherness here that they have never ever shown in tournament football before.”

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:31 , Mike Jones

Only 93 seconds separated Sweden equalising in the 88th minute through Rebecka Blomqvist and Spain scoring the winner in the 89th minute courtesy of Olga Carmona.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:27 , Mike Jones

Arsenal women’s manager Jonas Eidevall praised Spain for the way they are producing quality players in all age groups. Speaking on BBC One he said:

“We have a nation here in Spain that in the last decade have produced U19 Euros Winners, U20 World Cup winners over and over again.

“It is incredible really when you see the talent factory that Spanish football is.”

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:22 , Mike Jones

Here’s a look at all the goals from the Women’s World Cup semi-final, Olga Carmona then banged Spain into the World Cup final with this effort:

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:18 , Mike Jones

Here’s a look at all the goals from the Women’s World Cup semi-final, substitute Rebecka Blomqvist then equalised for Sweden with a couple of minutes left in the 90:

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:14 , Mike Jones

Here’s a look at all the goals from the Women’s World Cup semi-final, Salma Paralluelo came off the bench to send Spain in front with this finish:

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:09 , Mike Jones

The joys of reaching a World Cup final.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:05 , Mike Jones

Former England midfielder, Fara Williams, speaking on BBC One gave her commiseration to Sweden who came so close but were knocked out at the semi-final stage once again.

“Sweden have been to a few semi-finals and they have fallen at this hurdle again.” she said, “For some players in the squad it will have been their last tournament, so it is devastating. A horrible stage to go out.

“I thought the game was there for them, I really did. I thought their game plan was suited to counteract what Spain try to do. In the end they didn’t have the final third quality, and that is what they will look back on and point to.”

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:03 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:00 , Mike Jones

There was so much late drama in that semi-final. Spain are rightly celebrating on the pitch with Sweden’s players trying to console one another.

It’s a heartbreaking moment to come so close to World Cup final then being beaten just before you get there.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:55 , Mike Jones

Full-time!

90+7 mins: Spain have done it! They’ve reached the Women’s World Cup final and have beaten Sweden 2-1 at Eden Park. The match was a cagey affair for 80 minutes until substitute Salma Paralluelo unlocked the match with a fine finish to send Spain ahead.

Sweden replied with an equaliser six minutes later but it was Olga Carmona who won the game with a blistering strike from the edge of the box.

Spain are World Cup finalists!

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:52 , Mike Jones

90+5 mins: Mariona Caldentey receives a loud round of applause as she heads off the pitch for Spain with the minutes ticking away. Esther Gonzalez comes on to replace.

Sweden try to punt the ball forward, these are desperate times for them, just two minutes left to play.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:49 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: There’s seven minutes of added time to play at Eden Park and three of them are already spent. Spain are controlling the ball and they look set to reach the World Cup final.

Is there time for one last twist in this game?

Women’s World Cup: GOAL! Spain 2-1 Sweden (Carmona, 90’)⚽️

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:47 , Mike Jones

90 mins: You can’t write it!

Sweden had just got back in the back but just over a minute later and Spain are back in front. Olga Carmona is given the ball on the edge of the box and Sweden don’t close her down.

She’s been shooting from range all night and lets fly again. Zecira Musovic gets a hand to the ball, tips it onto the underside of the crossbar and sees the ball cross the line.

Spain lead again with stoppage time to play!

Women’s World Cup: GOAL! Spain 1-1 Sweden (Blomqvist, 88’)⚽️

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:45 , Mike Jones

88 mins: Equaliser!

A throw in for Sweden is sent to the byline where a cross comes high into the middle of the box. Lina Hurtig, who’s just come off the bench, nods the ball down to Rebecka Blomqvist and the substitute smokes the ball into the back of the net.

What drama!

Women’s World Cup: Spain 1-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:41 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Can Sweden respond?

There was a VAR check to determine whether Spain had a player offside in the build up to that goal but it stands and Sweden are left with the most pressure filled six minutes of their lives.

They need to score or else they’re heading out of the World Cup.

Women’s World Cup: GOAL! Spain 1-0 Sweden (Paralluelo, 81’)⚽️

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:39 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Huge moment!

Jenniefer Hermoso receives the ball on the left side and floats a cross into the box. The dropping ball hits Jonna Andersson who fails to deal with it.

Salma Paralluelo is the first to react and she blazes a first time shot into the back of the net to send Spain ahead with less than 10 minutes to go!

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:34 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Changes for Sweden now. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Stina Blackstenius go off with Rebecka Blomqvist and Olivia Schough introduced for the final few minutes.

The fresh legs up top may just help the Swedes get on the ball more.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:31 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Spain have had 73% possession over the last 10 minutes and Sweden are finding it tricky to get on the ball. Blackstenius wins it high up the pitch and passes to Asllani but she carries the ball out of play trying to get into the box from the byline.

Quarter of an hour left to play in this first semi-final.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:30 , Mike Jones

72 mins: That effort was Redondo’s final act of the game too as Eva Navarro comes on to replace her. It’s a like for like change with Spain continuing to feed the forward line in the hopes of nicking this semi-final before extra-time.

The certainly look the more likely at the minute.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:28 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Chance! Spain should be in front!

Jennifer Hermoso is slipped into the left channel and flicks a lovely cross over to the six-yard box. Alba Redondo stretches for the ball but can’t turn it towards goal.

Salma Paralluelo manages to keep it alive and poke it back ot Redondo who sweeps it at goal from the deck and hits the side netting!

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:24 , Mike Jones

66 mins: This is an opportunity for Spain. They win a free kick just outside the penalty area and Mariona Caldentey has the chance to shoot.

She tries to place it into the bottom left corner but her effort clips the top of the wall and deflects out for a corner.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:23 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Close!

Asllani brings the ball down the right before passing it into the feet of Rytting Kaneryd. The Swedish winger teases a pass into the box but Stina Blackstenius can’t get enough on it and the chance goes begging.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:18 , Mike Jones

60 mins: The rain is starting to pour down now which should add some zip off the surface. Spain bring the ball down the right side and slip it into the box for Aitana Bonmati.

She takes the ball to the byline but is dispossessed by Elin Rubensson who clears the lines for Sweden.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:16 , Mike Jones

57 mins: There’s a change for Spain now as Alexia Putellas, who’s been quite ineffectual so far, is taken off and is replaced by Salma. Will the substitute have a positive impact on this game?

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:12 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Carmona gives the ball away deep in her own half and Sweden slip it quickly into the right side of the box for Stina Blackstenius.

The forwards shrugs off a defender then pokes a tame effort at goal only for Cata Coll to scoop the ball up without too much trouble.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:09 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Sweden have scored seven of their 11 World Cup goals in the second half of matches so they should be a bigger threat to Spain for the rest of this game.

The Swedes win a corner that Asllani whips into the six-yard area. Cata Coll comes for the ball and fumbles it but she was nudged by Magdalena Eriksson and wins a free kick for Spain.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:05 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Alba Redondo makes a run in behind the Swedish defence and sees the ball come over the top from midfield. She sprints into the box but goalkeeper Zecira Musovic is quick off the mark and beats the winger to ball.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:03 , Mike Jones

Second half!

Spain get the match restarted at Eden Park. The ball comes over to Laia Codina who sends it long. Olga Carmona challenges for the aerial ball and clatters into Kosovare Asllani who is awarded a free kick for Sweden.

Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:59 , Mike Jones

As Sam Kerr declared herself “ready to go”, it was a warning for England that her World Cup has yet to start. With the Matildas enjoying their moment as Australia is gripped by World Cup fever ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against the Lionesses, it will not have gone unnoticed in the England camp that Kerr has yet to have hers. Without a goal and without a start in the World Cup, the Australia captain has been building towards the stage where she can make her most important contribution. Indeed, if there was ever a team who knows that you don’t keep the striker quiet for long, it would be Australia’s next opponents.

When it comes to the big occasions, Kerr often proves to be inevitable. Kerr’s goals have strengthened Chelsea’s domestic dominance since signing for the club in 2019 but it is the timing of them that has led to her fearsome reputation. Before last season’s FA Cup final, she confidently pointed out that she had never played at Wembley and not won a trophy. When she scored the winner against Manchester United, she extended her remarkable record in domestic cup finals to 10 goals in seven appearances, including the last six in a row.

Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:55 , Mike Jones

Former England international, Sue Smith, said: “As expected it has been a very tight and cagey game. Still a tough one to call, a couple of opportunities but not many.”

She’s not wrong and based on the first half, which ever team scores first could go on to win this game.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:51 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:47 , Mike Jones

Half-time!

45+1 mins: The whistle goes to bring an entertaining first half to a close. There’s been no goals yet but these sides are evenly matched and this World Cup semi-final could go either way.

There’s been a couple of opportunities at either end with the best one falling to Fridolina Rolfo at the end of the first half. It’s all still to play for at Eden Park.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:43 , Mike Jones

42 mins: Save! Sweden create the best chance of the after Spain lose possession deep in their own half. Nathalie Bjorn intercepts a pass and lifts a cross over to the back post.

Fridolina Rolfo shifts her feet and hits a volley towards the nearest post but Cata Coll drops to her right and palms the ball wide of the goal!

Big save from the Spaniard!

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:39 , Mike Jones

39 mins: Chance! Spain move the ball quickly into the midfield and send it up to Aitana Bonmati on the edge of the box. She spins towards goal, takes the ball to the right and lets fly but pings her effort just wide of the far post.

A decent shot but Bonmati doesn’t trouble the goalkeeper.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:36 , Mike Jones

36 mins: There’s no way through for Spain from this set piece either as Sweden get everyone back to defend the goal. The ball drops to Redondo over by the back post but she’s shrugged off it by Rolfo who belts the ball long.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:35 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Filippa Angedal is shoved in the back and goes to ground. She thinks it is a foul and tries to grab the ball for a quick reset but the referee hasn’t blown the whistle. Instead, beacuase she handled the ball, Angedal gives away a free kick of her own.

Spain curl the ball into the box and recover it for the second phase following Sweden’s clearance. The next cross is whipped in from the right and heads out for a corner.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:32 , Mike Jones

30 mins: That’s nice.

Sweden chip the ball down the right wing and send Johanna Rytting Kaneryd racing against Olga Carmona. Carmona gets to the ball first despite being slightly slower and she knocks it into the path of Laia Codina.

Spain take three passes to get the ball out from their own box and they’re away on the counter-attack.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:28 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Jonna Andersson comes to the rescue for Sweden after Mariona Caldentey flicks the ball into the box. The Swedish defender sees Alba Redondo arriving off her shoulder and ease ahead of the forward to nod the ball away.

Jennifer Hermoso can’t control a header of her own and Sweden scoop the ball away.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:26 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Olga Carmona, having come close with a shot from range earlier, decides to have another go when she gets the ball in space on the inside left. She drills one with her left foot but leans back at the wrong time and skews the ball high and wide.

That wasn’t the best effort we’ve seen in this tournament.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:22 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Close!

Spain come forward this time with Aitana Bonmati bringing the ball inside from the right and sitting Elin Rubensson on the floor. She lifts a curling pass into the box hoping to pick out Jennifer Hermoso.

The ball just drops over the top of the forward’s head though and Zecira Musovic does well to smother the loose ball.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:19 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Fridolina Rolfo goes on an enterprising run after winning the ball back high up the pitch. She eventually gets crowded out on the edge of the box but Sweden come away with the ball.

It’s played back to Amanda Illestedt who looks to float a pass over to the right wing. She overhits it though and sends the ball out of play.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:15 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Close! Ona Batlle carries the ball up the pitch from the right and slips the ball into the box for Jennifer Hermoso. The forward holds it up well before sliding a pass out to Olga Carmona.

Carmona takes a touch just outside the box then drills a shot across goal. It worries Zecira Musovic who leaps to her left but the ball bounces mere inches wide of the far post.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:12 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Nearly! Sweden are put under the most pressure of this match as Redondo once again causes trouble on the right side. She gets to the byline and heads a cross from the left into the box. Amanda Ilestedt gets to the ball but fails to clear it properly.

A mad scramble ensues but eventually the Swedes hook the ball away. Spain are getting themselves into this match now.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:10 , Mike Jones

9 mins: So far, Spain’s gameplan of maintaining possession, tiring out the opposition and picking their moments to drive forward is in full effect.

Redondo gets into space on the right wing and lifts her cross straight out of play as she aims a curling pass to the far post.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:08 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Spain are full of one-touch, slick passes. They’re looking to play the ball through the lines quickly but every time Sweden lose possession they fall back quickly into a tight defensive shape.

A long diagonal ball comes over the top from Spain but it’s too heavy for Alba Redondo and skips out of play before she can reach it.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:03 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Sweden are good at recovering the ball in midfield with Elin Rubensson not afraid to put her body on the line to challenge for the ball.

Spain bring the ball over to the left side of the pitch where Mariona Caldentey shifts past her marker and lifts a cross into the box. It comes too close to Zecira Musovic though and the Swedish goalkeeper plucks the ball out of the air.

Women’s World Cup: Spain 0-0 Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 09:00 , Mike Jones

Kick off!

This is it. One more outing before the World Cup final. Sweden are good on the counter while Spain enjoy possession. This is a good match but perhaps the experience of Sweden will help them get through this one.

The Swedes have already knocked out the reigning World Cup champions in the USA and the favourites to win this tournment in Japan. Are they destined for a spot in the final?

Sweden get the match underway.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:56 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams!

Eden Park in New Zealand is jam packed and the atmosphere is electric ahead of this semi-final. Spain and Sweden stride confidently out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung.

Kick off is up next, who will reach the Women’s World Cup final?

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:52 , Mike Jones

If Spain triumph today they will become the second team to lose a group stage match by more than 4+ goals and still reach the final after Norway lost 4-0 to China PR in 1991.

Sweden, meanwhile, could become the third European nation to reach multiple World Cup finals after Norway (1991, 1995) and Germany (1995, 2003, 2007).

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:49 , Mike Jones

Sweden are playing in their fifth Women’s World Cup semi-final. They reached the final of this tournament in 2003 but lost at this stage in 1991, 2011 and 2019.

Should they lose today they would become the first team to be defeated four times in the World Cup semi-finals.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:46 , Mike Jones

Spain are competing in the World Cup semi-final in only their third outing in the tournament. Should they win only USA (1), Norway (1), Netherlands (2) and Germany (2) will have reached their first final in fewer tournament appearances.

This match is also Spain’s fourth World Cup match against European opposition. They lost to Germany in the 2019 group stages but have beaten both European nations they’ve faced in the knockout rounds of this edition - Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:43 , Mike Jones

This is the first World Cup meeting between Spain and Sweden. They’ve only met once in a major tournament with Sweden winning 1-0 in the 1997 European Championship.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:40 , Mike Jones

Sweden should be the favourites to win this match today, however they will be aware of previous semi-final heartbreaks when they take on Spain today.

The Swedes lost 1-0 to the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, before suffering a 4-0 defeat to England in the last four at Euro 2022.

Despite reaching several finals, Sweden have not won a major trophy since winning the first Uefa European Championship in 1984 when only four teams took part.

In addition to reaching back-to-back World Cup semi-finals and the last four of Euro 2022, they lost both finals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Is this the time Sweden finally go on to win a major trophy?

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:35 , Mike Jones

Spain did not qualify for a Women’s World Cup until 2015 and had never advanced beyond the round of 16 until this tournament.

They have a slightly better record in European Championships having reached the last three quarter-finals famously taking taking the Lionesses to extra-time in the last eight at Euro 2022.

But, La Roja have never played in a semi-final and the pressure that comes with it will be immense for the women aiming to reach the World Cup final.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:30 , Mike Jones

The fans are ready for this semi-final.

Who will reach the Women’s World Cup showpiece? Will Spain get there for the first time ever or can Sweden back up their great run so far and earn a spot in the final?

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:26 , Mike Jones

Sweden’s route to the semi-finals:

Group stage: Sweden defeated South Africa, Italy and Argentina to claim full points in Group G and breeze into the knockout rounds. Peter Gerhardsson’s side hammered Italy 5-0 and conceded just one goal in their three group games.

Last 16: In their first knockout game, the Swedes held USA to a 0-0 in normal and extra-time to force a penalty shootout and needed a VAR call to prove that Lian Hurtig’s spot kick crossed the line. They won 5-4 on penalties.

Quarter-finals: Tournament favourites Japan suffered a 2-1 defeat against Sweden who reached their fifth semi-final as a result of their victory.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:23 , Mike Jones

Here’s how Spain reached the semi-finals of the World Cup:

Group stage: Two easy wins over Costa Rica and Zambia saw Spain qualifying out of the group with a game in hand but they were humbled in their final encounter by a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing from Japan.

Last 16: Jorge Vilda’s side brushed off that loss with a vengance though and demolished Switzerland 5-1 in their last 16 tie.

Quarter-finals: By far the most tense game for Spain of the tournament so far. They were in control against the Netherlands but conceded in injury time. They got their second goal in extra-time and won 2-1 to book their semi-final slot.

Spain did not qualify for a World Cup until 2015, and had never advanced beyond the round of 16 until this tournament.

Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Sweden

Tuesday 15 August 2023 08:13 , Mike Jones

This is the 29th and final match of the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

With a population of just five million people, in a country that sees rugby and cricket as the dominant sports, there were concerns that New Zealanders may not turn out in numbers to support the tournament.

Instead fans here have flocked in their hundreds of thousands to games helping to deliver a spectacular festival of women’s football.

“It seemed like a distant dream in the dark days of Covid,” said Shane Harmon, CEO of Wellington Regional Stadium,

“Any concerns prior to the tournament about whether Kiwis would get behind this event in sufficient numbers have been firmly put to rest.”

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website