Spain v Sweden
Closing minute drama saw Spain book their place in the Women’s World Cup Final for the first time. A 2-1 scoreline saw three goals in eight minutes. Despite seven minutes added time, Sweden were unable to find an equaliser to take the game to extra time.
Spain will face the winner of Australia v England in the final of the 2023 World Cup. Sweden also have another game to play however, as they will face the losing nation of the Australia v England tie in the third place playoff.
Tactical Analysis: Spain
Spain set up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, making only two changes to their starting line up. Oihane Hernandez was unavailable for selection due to suspension, being replaced at right back by Ona Batlle. Olga Carmona slotted into left back in the position filled by Batlle in their tie against the Netherlands. Alexia Putellas started in midfield, replacing Esther Gonzalez in the starting lineup. Jennifer Hermoso moved into the centre forward position, joined on either wing by Alba Redondo and Mariona Caldentey.
Spain found it difficult to find their way past a positionally strong Sweden. When Spain found themselves with possession of the ball, Sweden would fall into a formational shape which made it difficult for Spain to attack This added pressure to the Spanish defence, with the Swedish forwards waiting for an error to occur. This is evident through Stina Blackstenius finding herself one on one with a defender, with the other Spanish defenders having to race back into the defensive line.
Ona Batlle and Olga Carmona’s fullback position gave Spain numbers in attack, with both players playing in a high and wide position. They were able to join the defensive line when called upon but Spain made use of their attacking qualities to try and find goals.
Teresa Abelleira’s defensive midfield positioning strengthened Spain’s defence, adding numbers to their defensive set up. She was able to join the attack when Spain were in possession, staying deeper to retrieve the ball if it fell into midfield. In front of her, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati posed a threat to Sweden, with both having the ability to set up goals for their teammates and to score from long distances.
Spain tried to bring new inspiration to their attack, with Salma Paralluello replacing Alexia Putellas in midfield in the 57th minute. Eva Maria Navarro later replaced Alba Redondo in the 73rd minute. These substitutions undoubtedly brought new momentum to the attack, with Spain attacking the Swedish defence.
Spain tested the Swedish keeper, having many shots and deliveries into the box. However, they were unable to find a goal until the 81st minute. Substitute Salma Paralluelo found a poor clearance from Sweden, hitting it first time and sending the ball into the right hand side of the net. This goal came from a Jennifer Hermoso corner kick.
Sweden responded in the 88th minute with their own goal, equalising the scoreline. Spain were determined however to find the winning goal to avoid extra time, using a set piece to do so. In the 89th minute, Olga Carmona received the ball outside the box from a short pass from a corner, shooting from distance and sending the ball into the top of the net to seal Spain’s World Cup Final dreams.
Key Players: Spain
- Jennifer Hermoso
Jennifer Hermoso was involved in Spain’s attack, having many opportunities to set up goals for her teammates, and sending crosses into the box that could have been goals. She had many well taken corners, and worked alongside her teammates to try and break the Swedish defence.
- Salma Paralluelo
There is no doubt that Salma Paralluelo made an impact as a substitution. She brought a new momentum to the midfield, inspiring many attacking runs and pressing the Swedish team. She hit a precise and well taken shot to score the first goal of the match, sending it into the right side through a heavily marked box.
- Olga Carmona
Playing in the fullback position, Captain Olga Carmona made an impact throughout the game. She was part of the Spanish defensive line which denied Sweden a goalscoring opportunity until late in the game. She used her fullback position to make use of the channel, bringing numbers to the Spanish attack and being involved in goal scoring opportunities. She had many shots herself, testing the keeper and defence.
Tactical Analysis: Sweden
Sweden opted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, making no changes to their starting lineup. Stina Blackstenius led the attacking lineup, with Fridolina Rolfo and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd joining her on the wings.
Captain Magdalena and Sweden’s top goalscorer of the tournament Amanda Ilestedt started at centre half, with Jonna Andersson and Nathalie Bjorn at fullbacks. Sweden’s two defensive midfielders Elin Rubensson and Filippa Angeldahl allowed Sweden to set up defensively strong, making it a challenge for Spain to break their formation. Having numbers in defence ensured Sweden could isolate Spanish players in possession, with three players at times surrounding one or two Spanish players to stop them breaking into the box or delivering dangerous balls.
Sweden’s positioning was a key element in keeping Spain from having opportunities on goal, with Spain’s first attempt on target only coming in their 81st minute goal. Their structure made it a task for Spain to get through, applying pressure to players all across the pitch.
Sweden proved that they were dangerous in attack also, with the forward players creating attacks on goal and having opportunities to shoot. Stina Blackstenius worked alongside the other attacking players to create threatening runs and trying to overload the Spanish defence to cause errors.
Unable to find a goal, Sweden made changes to their attacking line up. Stina Blackstenius and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd made way for Rebecka Blomqvist and Olivia Schough in the 77th minute. Following Spain’s goal in the 81st minute, Sweden made one more change in the 87th minute with Lina Hurtig replacing Elin Rubensson. Sweden’s substitutions proved to be successful, with Lina Hurtig assisting a goal one minute after entering the field of play.
Sweden’s only goal came through Rebecka Blomqvist in the 88th minute. A cross found the head of Lina Hurtig, who headed the ball down towards Blomqvist who hit the ball first time into the right corner. Spain quickly responded however, gaining a lead again. Sweden were unable to find another equaliser to keep themselves in the game.
Key Players: Sweden
- Fridolina Rolfo
It is no surprise that Fridolina Rolfo was a key player in Sweden’s performance.She was a key part of Sweden’s attack, applying pressure to the Spanish defence and posing a threat. She linked up with her team to create attacking runs and was involved in the attack heavily.
- Rebecka Blomqvist
Goalscorer Rebecka Blomqvist made an impact from being introduced in the 77th minute. She took the precisely placed goal in the 88th minute that saw Sweden equalise with Spain, sending the ball into the right side of the net.