Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-finals: Everything you need to know about the final four

We’re now approaching the business end of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with the final less than a week away.

However, before that, there is the small matter of the highly anticipated semi-final encounters. A record 32 teams qualified for this year’s tournament which got underway on July 20, but only four remain with a chance of landing the greatest prize in women’s football.

First up, Spain take on Sweden before England face off against co-hosts Australia in what is sure to be a thrilling showdown. Here, we assess each team’s journey to the semis and preview the two mouth-watering clashes.

Spain were among the favourites before a ball was kicked, despite their poor record and in spite of off-field controversy stretching back to last year.

Last September, the Spanish Football Federation claimed 15 of the national team players said they would resign if manager Jorge Vilda didn’t stand down after there were reportedly concerns over training methods and game preparations. Those claims were refuted, and the players and coaching staff have seemingly been able to detach from any off-field distractions to produce on the pitch.

Spain were drawn in Group C with Japan, Zambia and Costa Rica. They opened their account with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica and backed that up by putting five past Zambia with no reply before losing 4-0 to Japan to go through in second.

Best World Cup result – Last 16

Spain have only competed in two Women’s World Cups previously in 2015 and 2019. In their debut in the competition, they crashed out in the group stage but progressed to the last 16 in France in 2019.

One to watch – Salma Paralluelo

This has been a tournament in which the younger generation have made their mark. That’s certainly true for Salma Paralluelo. The former sprinter turned left-winger scored the latest match-winning goal in Women’s World Cup history as Spain beat the Netherlands in extra time and the teenager is undoubtedly one to watch in the semis.

“Salma is a player with enormous potential and she’s not reached her best yet,” said Vilda.

“She’s a very young player who has been training one year in football specifically, and the best of Salma we’ll see it in the future.

“Now she’s excellent, but in the future it’s going to be much, much more.”

Sweden won all three of their Group G matches, beating South Africa, Italy and Argentina to secure their passage into the knock-out phase.

That put Peter Gerhardsson’s side on a collision course with the United States, who were going for three World Cup crowns in a row.

But the Swedes failed to read the script and came through a dramatic penalty shoot-out that required a VAR review to determine whether Zecira Musovic’s spot-kick had crawled over the line.

In the quarters, goals from Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldahl were enough to deny Japan and book a place in another major semi-final.

Best World Cup result – Runners-up (2003)

This is the fifth time Sweden have made it to the World Cup semi-finals but the first time in a 32-team tournament. They made it to the final in 2003 where they lost to Germany but will hope to go all the way this time and land a first major trophy.

One to watch – Amanda Ilestedt

The Arsenal defender might have a future further up the pitch if she keeps up her current form in front of goal. Her goal against Japan was her fourth of the tournament, so it’s no wonder she was asked if she might play a more advanced role in the line-up to face Spain.

“I’ve already asked him [Gerhardsson, the manager],” she said. “I like playing as a defender.

“I’m happy as long as we’re winning, but it’s fun that the ball is going in too. It feels great to be through to the semis.

“We played precisely as we had discussed beforehand, sticking close to the Japanese players and making it difficult for them to play their game.”

Co-hosting with New Zealand, Australia have been a revelation this tournament. Roared on by the impassioned Aussie support, they have created such a buzz at this year’s tournament and will be desperate to keep the party going all the way to the final.

It could all have ended so differently for Australia. Drawn in Group B, they sat third going into the final pool clash after beating Ireland and losing to Nigeria. The faced Canada knowing it was win or bust and rose to the occasion, sealing a 4-0 victory to top the group.

Best World Cup result – Quarter-finals (2007, 2011 and 2015)

Whatever happens, the Matildas will have improved on their best previous run in the Women’s World Cup, having fallen the quarter-final stage three times in a row from 2007 to 2015.

She is yet to start a game as she continues to recover from injury, but there is no doubting the threat posed by Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer Sam Kerr. The 29-year-old Chelsea player could have timed her return to full fitness perfectly and be in line for a starting berth against the Lionesses, who are all too aware of the quality she possesses.

All eyes will be on the Lionesses to see if they can back up their success in the Euros with World Cup glory. But Sarina Wiegman’s side will have to overcome a strong Australian side and a feverish home support just to reach the final.

England were unconvincing in their opening 1-0 Group D wins against Haiti and Denmark but looked to have found form when they eased past China 6-1 to progress to the last 16.

However, they were very fortunate not to crash out to Nigeria in the first knockout round. The Lionesses were outplayed for the majority of normal and extra time before scraping through 4-2 on penalties after Lauren James was sent off.

Best World Cup result – Third place (2015)

This is the third successive World Cup semi-final England have found themselves in, having also achieved that feat in 2015 and 2019. In 2015, England prevailed in the consolation match against Germany to finish third, which is their best result in the tournament to date. Will that change this year? Time will tell.

One to watch – Alex Greenwood

It’s not often defenders steal the limelight but given England’s struggles at the other end of the pitch, Alex Greenwood deserves huge praise for her performances so far.

Beside Jess Carter and Millie Bright, the Lionesses owe their back three a huge debt of gratitude. Against Colombia, Greenwood, Carter and Bright were once again brilliant in nullifying the attacking threat.

Greenwood has had more touches than any other player in the tournament so far and also leads the way when it comes to interceptions, showing just how valuable her contribution has been.

England have only conceded twice to this stage, which has been the foundation of their success.

After the win against Colombia, former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen heaped praise on Greenwood, saying: “England are finding a new mentality of how they can win games. They’ve done it again – they found ways to win.

“England were efficient, effective, ruthless and pragmatic. Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood, in particular, were absolutely outstanding.”