Winning the Women’s World Cup 2023 would mean the world to me, says Sweden defender Natalie Bjorn
The HinduSweden defender Natalie Bjorn believes her side’s wins over former champions the United States and Japan will serve as the perfect preparation for its Women’s World Cup semifinal clash with Spain at Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday. The Swedes defeated the United States, winner of the last two editions of the Women’s World Cup, in a penalty shoot-out in the last 16 before holding on to record a 2-1 victory over 2011 winner Japan to set up the semifinal meeting against Spain. “I think it’s good that we played against Japan and the U.S. before this game, because it feels like Spain is a little bit of a mix between them too, and with the possession that they want to keep and the physical side from the U.S. “So I feel like we are better prepared.” FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Sweden’s Andersson shows sporting side by comforting Japan’s Hamano The Swedes were not among the favoured nations to win the Women’s World Cup prior to kick-off despite reaching the final of the Olympic Games tournament in Japan in 2021, where they suffered a narrow defeat to Canada. Of the four nations left in the tournament Sweden has the strongest pedigree at the Women’s World Cup, having previously reached the semifinals on four occasions.