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 projected 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 projected starting lineup (4-3-3): 23. Coll (GK) — 12. Hernandez, 4. Paredes, 14. Codina, 2. Batlle — 6. Bonmati, 3. Abelleira, 10. Hermoso — 18. Paralluelo, 9, Gonzalez, 8. Caldentey
- Injured: N/A
- Suspended: N/A
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, and given the upturn in results since then, it…
