After the Upheaval for La Roja, the Women’s World Cup Final is One Step Away

Spain vs Sweden

When I announced Spain were my outside tip for the Women’s World Cup, I could not understand why so few others had predicted them to do well.

Then the penny dropped.

Sure, the Spanish team which so impressed me at last summer’s European Championships had good players and played an exciting brand of attractive football, but little did I know that the national team had experienced significant upheaval since then.

In fact, to say it has been a turbulent time for La Roja would be something of an understatement.

Talking Points

Late last year, 15 of their regulars walked away from the national side in protest against the head coach, Jorge Vilda, and his backroom team. This forced Vilda to turn to players further down the pecking order.

No doubt their critics revelled in the fact they suffered a group stage thumping at the hands of Japan in Wellington.

Yet it must be remembered Spain had already qualified for the last 16 at this stage so could have been forgiven for taking their eye off the ball slightly and, rather than a re-match, it is Sweden, rather than Nadeshiko, they will now face in next week’s semi-final of the competition.

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So, is this Spain’s moment or can Sweden, who have advanced to a second consecutive World Cup semi-final, reach the showpiece in Sydney on August 20?

Certainly, with holders the USA and the beaten finalists from 2019, Netherlands, both out, the world crown is there for the taking.

Indeed, we now know there will be a new name on the trophy later this month.

For Spain, victory against a strongly fancied Oranje was as dramatic as it was a statement.

In extra time in Wellington, teenager Salma Paralluelo netted an extra-time winner, a player who only made her debut with the senior Spain team last November – all this after the Dutch had scored a last-gasp penalty to force an additional 30 minutes.

There is a wonderful story developing here for a nation which had never won a knockout match at a major tournament before beating Switzerland in the last 16.

Not only is it the first time they have reached the World Cup last four, it is only the second time Spain have reached a semi-final after their first ever major tournament appearance at Euro 1997, which featured only eight teams.

The story surrounds manager and star name.

Vilda’s coaching abilities and relationships with his best players were the subject of fierce criticism, but he has stayed true to his beliefs and, after seeing off the Netherlands, was able to take a celebratory tone and make light of matters such as the early morning kick-off times for audiences back in Spain.

Vilda has always maintained the support of the Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, and thanked him by name following the quarter-final while appearing to make a veiled reference to the controversy and rebel players.

In addition, there could yet be a fairytale for Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

Putellas burst into tears after the final whistle, overcome by the emotions of a historic victory even if she has yet to have a major impact on the tournament as she returns to fitness.

And what of Sweden?

Sweden will go head-to-head with Spain for their spot in the finals of the Women’s World Cup — Sweden players and coaching staff celebrate in a huddle after their quarter-finals match against Japan

Yes, they rode their luck in the later stages of their victory against Japan but, over the piece, no one could say they did not deserve it.

A first-half goal from Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldal’s penalty gave them Women’s World Cup 2023 highlights to savour and stunned Nadeshiko as the Swedes outplayed their opponents in the first half in front of more than 43,000 spectators in Auckland.

Few, if any, pundits tipped the Scandinavians as winners at the start of the World Cup, but they have despatched the holders and now Japan en route to this stage.

If winning games without playing at their best is a strength, anything can happen now they are in the last four and they have had some outstanding individual displays.

Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic’s performance in the round of 16 against USA was outstanding and defender Amanda Ilestedt performed solidly at the back while also contributing with three goals.

Elin Rubensson, who has replaced the injured captain Caroline Seger, has also caught the eye with hardworking performances at both ends of the pitch.

Sweden will begin their semi-final on Tuesday as underdogs, yet they were against the US and Japan too.

The World Cup Final is merely one step away.