Women's World Cup semi-finals: Why Sweden are favourites to overpower Spain
Sweden have battled through numerous challenges and knocked out reigning champions the USA to make it to the Women's World Cup semi-final; now they face a Spanish side looking to purge their off-field controversy; the teams meet on Tuesday with kick-off at 9am UK time
By Maryam Clark
Sunday 13 August 2023 22:23, UK
Sweden have battled through penalty shootouts, goal-line clearances, and VAR controversy to make it to the Women's World Cup semi-final.
On Tuesday, they will have the chance to prove why they deserve to go one further against a Spanish side who were one of the first teams in Europe to qualify despite their off-field drama.
Yet, while Jorge Vilda's team have scored 15 goals in five games in the tournament so far, there was a glaring blip in the streak with a 4-0 defeat to Japan.
Sky Sports' Maryam Clark explores why the 'Blagult' will have no issue seeking out those flaws...
This summer, Sweden have alternated between 3-4-3 and 4-3-3, giving them purpose and drive on the counter.
Blink, and you might miss them switching from defence to attack, usually with an outspoken No 10 — either Kosovare Asllani or Fridolina Rolfo — leading the line.
Stretching opposition defences with complex, interchangeable styles is a norm — players are not afraid to slip in and out of shape.
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Their 2-1 victory over Japan was a perfect microcosm of that.
Nathalie Bjorn slipped out of the back line and into the midfield, disrupting Japan's plans to turn over the ball in central spaces.
The Everton defender usually plays as a right-back for her club but was comfortable filling multiple
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