Football Prediction Spain vs Sweden: The Great Battle

The first semi-final of the 2023 Women's World Cup will be between Spain and Sweden. This is considered a balanced match between two European teams with opposing styles of play.

Sweden emphasizes science , tight defense, and strong play. Meanwhile, Spanish women's football still fully converges the characteristics of its male counterpart with an attacking style of play based on the ability to control and overwhelm the opponent.

Spain have a good chance of beating Sweden.

Alexia Putellas and her teammates play beautifully, coordinate in small groups, and can "lull" the opponent to sleep with high-speed passes. The individual techniques of the Spanish girls are all at a top level.

Spain has not had a great record in the Women's World Cup in the past. However, with Barcelona's dominance in the European arena in recent years, the national team of the land of bulls has also risen to become a candidate for the world championship.

Except for the somewhat confusing 0-4 loss to Japan, the Spanish women's team had no difficulty dealing with the remaining opponents in the group stage and the round of 16. The challenge of the Netherlands - the current runner-up - in the quarterfinals was not enough to stop coach Jorge Vilda and his team. However, the problem of this team is the output of goals.

Against the Netherlands, the Spanish women's team controlled 62% of the ball, had 28 shots in 120 minutes but only scored 2 goals. The Spanish women's players easily controlled the game but their finishing was not good. They often missed opportunities because of poor finishing.

On the other side of the front line, Sweden brings typical Nordic football. The players in yellow are tall, strong and can pose a threat to the shaky defense of the Spanish women's team.

However, if their wing play and set-piece prowess are curbed, Sweden could struggle to find a way through. They need to be effective in the air and have a large defence to stop Spain. Otherwise, defeat is inevitable for the team ranked third in the FIFA rankings.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Sweden

Expected lineup Spain vs Sweden

Spain: Catalina Coll (23), Oihane Hernandez (12), Irene Paredes Hernandez (4), Laia Codina Panedas (14), Ona Batlle (2), Aitana Bonmati Conca (6), Teresa Abilleira Duenas (3), Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes (10), Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer (17), Esther Gonzalez (9), Salma Paralluelo (18)

Sweden: Musovic (1-TM), Andersson (2), Ericsson (6), Bjorn (14), Amanda Ilestedt (13), Madelen Janogy (7), Rubensson (23), Angeldal (16), Rolfo (18), Asllani (9), Blackstenius (11)

Mai Phuong

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