The first semifinal of the 2023 Women's World Cup sees a clash between two European sides who have opted for different approaches at the tournament.
Spain made a raft of changes after a heavy defeat in the group stages, which saw several key players dropped from the starting side – and it seems to have produced the desired results for coach Jorge Vilda.
Sweden, on the other hand, have maintained a stable squad that has rarely been rotated, which has seen them defeat two former World Champions on their way to the semifinal.
The Sporting News takes a look at the starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match at Eden Park on August 15.
MORE: All the details about the World Cup semifinals
Spain vs Sweden lineups
Spain starting 11
Spain starting lineup (4-3-3): 23. Cata Coll (GK) — 2. Ona Batlle, 4. Irene Paredes, 14. Laia Codina, 19. Olga Carmona — 6. Aitana Bonmati, 3. Teresa Abelleira, 11. Alexia Putellas — 8. Mariona Caldentey 10. Jennifer Hermoso 17. Alba Redondo
- Injured: N/A
- Suspended: Oihane Hernandez
After their humbling defeat to Japan in the group stages Jorge Vilda showed no mercy as he dropped a series of players from the starting lineup, including goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez, captain Ivana Andres and two time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Putellas' omission has been particularly notable, but the star midfielder is back in the first XI to take on Sweden, allowing veteran striker Jennifer Hermoso to revert to her natural position.
Sweden starting 11
Sweden starting lineup (4-2-3-1 right to left): 1. Zecira Musovic (GK) — 2. Jonna Andersson, 13. Amanda Ilestedt, 6. Magdalena Eriksson, 14. Nathalie Bjorn — 16. Filipp Angeldal, 23. Elin Rubensson — 19. Johanna Kaneryd, 9. Kosovare Asllani, 18. Fridolina Rolfo — 11. Stina Blackstenius
- Injured: N/A
- Suspended: N/A
Sweden are unchanged after their superb quarterfinal win over a highly fancied Japan.
Zecira Musovic will need to have another strong game in goal against a Spain attack capable of quickly overwhelming their opponents, but they have only conceded two goals all tournament, which is a testament to their defensive unit as a whole.
Amanda Ilestadt, part of the solid defence, has made headlines at the other end of the pitch, with the centre-back scoring an incredible four goals at the tournament, making her the equal second-best scorer at the tournament and also highlighting Sweden's threat from set pieces.
Fridolona Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius start in attack once again and will look to get at Spain's defence which has shown vulnerability to the counter-attack.
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Spain vs Sweden live stream, TV channel
Fans around the world will be able to watch the Spain vs Sweden match, with the semifinal being available to watch on both TV as well as online live streaming options.
TV channel | Streaming | |
USA | FOX | Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo (Spanish) |
UK | BBC One, RTE 2 | BBC iPlayer, RTE Player, BBC Sport Web |
Australia | Optus Sport, Channel Seven | Optus Sport, 7Plus |
Canada | TSN1, TSN 4, TSN 5, RDS, CTV | TSN+, RDS app, CTV App, Noovo |
India | DD Sports | FanCode |
New Zealand | Sky Sport 1 NZ, Prime TV | Sky Sport NOW, Prime TV |
Singapore | FIFA WWC CH01 | meWATCH |
Hong Kong | Now Sports Prime | Now Player |
Malaysia | — | FIFA+ |
Fans in select regions of the world – including Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand – can stream the Women's World Cup live on FIFA+ online.