The game Spain vs Sweden had everything in it, beautiful goals, late drama, joyful celebrations but it ended in jubilation for Spain and agony for Sweden. The game was an equal contest with both the teams experiencing little to no chances in the game, until Spain broke the deadlock, then it became kind of open and 2 more goals followed from each side giving us a dream ending to a great match. It was Spain who won with a 2-1 margin and advanced into their first ever final match of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Read also: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Australia vs England Match Preview, team news, possible lineups, and every detail

Match Information

Date : 15 August, 2023

Venue : Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

Time : GMT – 8:00 pm IST – 1:30 pm

Match Officials

Referee: Edina Alves

Assistant Referee 1: Neuza Back

Assistant Referee 2: Leila Cruz

4th Official: Melissa Borjas

VAR: Nicolas Gallo

Assistant VAR 1: Armando Villarreal

Assistant VAR 2: Felisha Mariscal

Assistant VAR 3: Juan Soto

Spain vs Sweden Match Report

First Half

The first 45 minutes was an equally contested match with both the teams cancelling each other out through their defensive prowess.

Sweden started the match pretty well, but Spain was in control, allowing Sweden little to no chance in the opening minutes.

After awhile, Spain dominated the ball possession as expected but couldn't create any big chances as they did in their previous matches. The first big Chance for Spain arrived when Olgo Carmona took a shot from distance and it was just a whisker away from the Swedish goal.

In the middle stages of the game no real chance arose from both the teams but it was mostly Spain who had the ball and Sweden were happy to sit at the back and defend.

But in the last 5 minutes of the game, Sweden did enjoy a nice spell and had kne of the best chances of the game through Fridolina Rolfo, who's shot was saved at the back post by Cata Coll.

The Swedish Women also delivered some dangerous crosses into the box from set pieces, which is their primary weapon in this year's World Cup but was unable to breach the Spanish defense.

2nd Half

Sweden started the second half very strongly with creating good chances through defense breaching passes and Spain were unable to cope up with it, but fortunately for Spain, they couldn't put the ball inside the net.

It was all Sweden in the second half until Spain's head coach brought on Salma Paralluelo in Alexia Putellas's place. Then suddenly it looked like the momentum shifted in favour of the Spanish side.

Salma Paralluelo, the super sub who scored the winner in the extra time against a strong Netherlands side made a huge impact on the field. Every Spanish attack was generated towards her and Sweden found it very difficult to deal with it.

Then finally, in the 81st minute, Salma Paralluelo scored. It was an amazing finish from inside of the box and everyone thought it to be the winning goal as both the teams struggled to create any sort of big chances in the match.

But Rebecka Blomqvist had some other ideas. In the 88th minute of the game, she found herself at the end of a half volley ball just in front of the goal and she equalised the score for Sweden with just 2 minutes left on the clock(normal time).

Everyone in the stadium thought it was going to the extra time but Spain regained the lead through a wonderful strike by Olga Carmona just under 94 seconds of Sweden's goal. It was huge for the Spanish players, no one could believe what had happened, such was the chaos in the end minutes.

So after a very tactical match, it was Spain who went through to the Finals and Sweden will have to suffice themselves with a third or fourth place.

Spain vs Sweden | Live score ESP 2-1 SWE

Kick Off at 1:30 pm (IST)

First Half Begins

Spain vs Sweden is underway!

05'I Sweden on the front foot

Sweden seem to be in control in the opening minutes of the game.

10'I Spain on the attack

No one could get at the end of a beautiful layoff from the right side for the Spanish side to take the lead but it did cause some chaos in the Swedish box.

13'| Attempt by Spain

Olgo Carmona hit the ball from outside of the box and it was not too far from the target.

17'I End to end football

Both the teams have been tactically very sound and is not allowing each other to create any goal scoring opportunities.

20'I Good play by Spain

Aitana Bonmati showcased a nice bit of skill and delivered a dangerous ball into the box but unfortunately it was not enough to break the deadlock.

23'I Spain on the counter

Spain got a good chance to counter but the Swedish defenders were quick to track back and stop the attack.

30'I Spain taking control

Spain have gained almost full control of the game by enjoying some time on the ball.

34'I Corner for Spain

Alexia Putellas delivered a dangerous cross in the box but no one was at the end to receive it and Sweden conceded another corner.

39'I Chance for Spain

Aitana Bonmati's shot was wide of the target and it's still 0-0.

41'I Big save by Coll

Cata Coll pulled off a fine save near the back post off Fridolina Rolfo's shot and concealed a corner.

1 minute of additional time

Spain vs Sweden 45'I Halftime ESP 0-0 SWE

Second half begins!

Who will be the first to break the deadlock? Is it going to be the highest scoring team in the World Cup, Spain or Set piece Specialists, Sweden.

48'| Good pressing by Sweden

The Swedes have again started the half well with pressing much higher up the pitch.

51'I Corner for Sweden

Sweden are pressing Spain from the very front and in the process won a corner.

54'I Chance for Sweden

Stina Blackstenius's right footed shot from inside of the box was saved by the goalkeeper as it was from a tight angle and held no power.

57'I Substitution for Spain

Salma Paralluelo replaces Alexia Putellas.

60'I Good defending by Sweden

Elin Rubensson stopped the attack with her good physical strength inside the 6 yard box.

65'I Free kick at a good position for Spain

After a nice bit of counter punch to Swedish attacks, Spain are awarded with a free kick in a scoring position.

69'I Nice spell for Spain

Spain is enjoying some good possession and have managed to restrict the Swedes' attacks.

70'I Big Chance for Spain

Alba Redondo hit the side net from close range while lying on the ground, which made it fairly difficult for her to hit the target.

73'I Substitution for Spain

Eva Navarro replaces Alba Redondo.

76'I Good cross by Kaneryd

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd delivered a great cross into the box but no Swedish played managed to get at the end of it.

77'I Substitution for Spain

Olivia Schough and Rebecka Blomqvist replaces Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Stina Blackstenius.

81'I Salma Paralluelo scores for Spain! (ESP 1-0 SWE)

Salma Paralluelo, the young Barcelona striker who scored the winner in the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, have scored again for Spain with her right foot with just under 10 minutes of normal time. It was an instinctive strike's finish and it might lead Spain into their first ever World Cup final.

88'I Sweden equalizes! (ESP 1-1 SWE)

Rebecka Blomqvist, the substitute scored the equalizer for Spain in the dying minutes of the match and it's game on at Auckland.

89'I Spain is back in front! (ESP 2-1 SWE)

Olga Carmona has managed to give Spain the lead back through a wonder strike with her left foot following a short corner and it's 2-1 Spain.

7 minutes of additional time

90'+3| Substitution for Spain

Esther Gonzalez replaces Mariona Caldentey.

Spain vs Sweden 90'I Fulltime ESP 2-1 SWE

The ultimate dream for any footballing nation is to compete on the biggest stage like the World Cup, and for Indian women's football team, the dream feels closer now.

On July 5, 2025, India secured AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification with a 2-1 victory over Thailand. The sensational midfielder from Bengal, Sangita Basfore scored both the goals to seal this historic win for the nation!

This crucial win, added to their strong performances againsy Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Iraq, marked their return to the Asian Cup after 22 years. This success has now fueled the high hopes and big dream of reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Now the question is: How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Let's explore the details below.

Read Also: Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now

Why does AFC Asian Cup qualification matter?

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the regional body for football in Asia, operating under FIFA. Crucially, the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 isn't just a continental championship; it's Asia's direct qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

For 2027, Asia gets six direct World Cup spots and two additional play-off chances. This means performing well in this tournament is absolutely vital for India's World Cup dreams.

They will have to fight for the World Cup spot against 11 nations (7 other qualifying nations from 2025, the host Australia, and the top 3 teams from the previous 2022 edition).

Teams qualified alongside India in 2025 Asian Cup qualifiers:

1. Bangladesh
2. Phillipines
3. Vietnam
4. Chinese Taipei
5. North Korea
6. Uzbekistan
7. TBD

The Top 3 teams of 2022 edition:

1. China (Champions)
2. South Korea (Runners-up)
3. Japan (Third place)

Read Also: Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity

India's qualification roadmap for the 2027 FIFA World Cup

To reach the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, India's performance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is everything.

Here's how they can make it possible:

• Reach the semi-finals: This is the clearest path for qualification as all four semi-finalists in the Asian Cup will automatically be eligible to qualify for WC.
• In case they don't reach semi-finals: If India reaches the quarter-finals but loses, there's still a chance. The losing teams will play additional matches against each other for the remaining two direct World Cup spots and the two play-off berths.

In short, India must aim to be among the top six teams in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to have a direct shot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Football knows no gender, and the talented women are proving that with their breathtaking gameplay. The world of women's football is setting new standards which has made it difficult to pick the best ones.

Based on the current landscape of the sport, check out the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

10. Lauren James 

• National Team: England
• Club: Chelsea
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 65

Lauren James is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea in the WSL. She has won the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23 for her exceptional skills at a young age.

She previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United and switched to Chelsea in 2021. She has scored a total of 58 goals in 155 appearances across all clubs.

Lauren plays a major role in the England women's team, having 7 international goals in 27 appearances for England.

Read Also | Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee

9. Klara Bühl

• National Team: Germany
• Club: Bayern Munich
• Position: Forward 
• Goals: 92

Klara Bühl is a professional german player who plays as left winger or forward. She is 17 year old and is considered as one of the best young wingers in Europe.

She was a part of SC Freiburg for four years before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2020. Klara has scored 65 goals in 230 appearances for clubs, and 27 international goals in 65 appearances for Germany.

Read Also: 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

8. Salma Paralluelo

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 99

The Spanish left winger, Salma Paralluelo, is a born champion, with all three 3 World Cups to her name. She started her career as a sprinter and holds several records in the categories of under 16 and 18.

Salma won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the Spanish senior team in 2023, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2020, and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018. She also won the U-17 UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2018.

Salma has scored 85 goals in 125 club appearances and 14 goals in 35 appearances for Spain.

Read Also | Sarina Wiegman dedicates Uefa Women's Coach of the Year award to Spain players

7. Linda Caicedo

• National Team: Colombia
• Club: Real Madrid 
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 46

Linda Caicedo is a Colombian footballer who has reached commendable milestones at a young age of 20. She plays as a forward for Real Madrid, and has been associated with football legends like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman for commercial ad campaigns.

She played for América Cali and Deportivo Cali before joining Real Madrid, and scored a total of 33 goals in 92 appearances across all of them.

Linda has scored 13 goals to her name in 42 appearances for Colombia.

#FU17WWC Bronze Boot🥾 & Silver Ball ⚽ winner Linda Caicedo makes her senior #FIFAWWC debut 🫡

How many goals will the Colombian star score in the #FIFAWomensWorldCup?#SeleccionFemenina#SelecciónColombiaFemenina#CopaMundialFemenino #COLKOR pic.twitter.com/CLsz1MnaPY

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 25, 2023

6. Alessia Russo

• National Team: England
• Club: Arsenal
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 87

Alessia Russo is a professional footballer who plays for England and the WSL club Arsenal as a forward. She has exceptional records, including being awarded the player of the month and goal of the month for Arsenal.

Alessia is known for her aggressive gameplay and match-winning abilities. She played for other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United before, and was also the top scorer twice.

Her club goals count to 66 in 138 appearances across all clubs and 21 in 49 appearances for England.

Read Also: Football Facts: Top 10 Players With Most Goal Contributions In A Season Since 2000

5. Khadija Shaw

• National Team: Jamaica
• Club: Manchester City 
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 182

The all-time top scorer, Khadija Shaw, is one of the world's best strikers from Jamaica, who also plays as a forward for Manchester City.

Khadija holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the history of the Women's Super League. She scored 125 goals in her 144 club appearances and 57 goals in 44 appearances for Jamaica!

She was named The Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2018 as a tribute to her legendary contributions in football.

4. Alexia Putellas

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Midfielder
• Goals: 260

Alexis Putellas is a Spanish midfielder or forward who currently plays for Barcelona. She is the captain of Barcelona and has won all the individual European football awards.

Alexis is widely appreciated for her style of play and aura. She has previously played for Espanyol and Levante, having a total of 226 goals in 515 appearances across all clubs. 

She scored 34 goals for the Spanish National Team in 130 appearances. Alexis also won Ballon d'Or Féminin for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

3. Caroline Graham Hansen

• National Team: Norway 
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Winger
• Goals: 225

Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norwegian footballer who is one of the best wingers in the world. She plays for Barcelona and has won prestigious awards like Statoil Talent Award of the Year and others.

Hansen has exceptional dribbling and passing skills, which never fail to amaze the fans. She played for other clubs like Stabæk and Wolfsburg and scored 180 goals in all 404 appearances.

Her goals count to 45 in 95 international caps for Norway.

Read Also: Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

2. Sophia Smith

• National Team: USA
• Club: Portland Thorns
• Position: Forward 
• Goals: 74

Sophia Smith is an American footballer who plays as a forward for the team. She plays for the NWSL club Portland Thorns and was named the most valuable player for them, along with the Golden Boot, in 2022.

Sophia scored 3 goals in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the US National Team. She earned her national team cap in 2020 and became the youngest player to debut for the US Women's National Team.

She scored 50 goals in 95 appearances for Portland Thorns FC and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USA. 

Her contributions in the world of football makes her way to the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

Sophia Smith scores in her #FIFAWWC debut!

📰 LIVE Blog #USAVIE : https://t.co/5a8pYXuIsb#FIFAWomensWorldCup #USA #USWNT pic.twitter.com/8ySA5VkuZp

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 22, 2023

1. Aitana Bonmatí 

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Midfielder
• Goals: 134

Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She is one of the greatest of all time in football history. Her elegant style of play is a treat to the eyes. 

The Spanish National team captain won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, Laureus World Sports Award, and Golden Player Woman Award for her incredible 2023 season for Spain and Barcelona. She is the first women's player to win The Best, Ballon d'Or, UEFA Player of the Year and World Cup Golden Ball in the same year

Bonmati was the Player of the tournament in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 as Spain lifted their maiden Women's World Cup title. 

She scored 104 goals in 289 appearances for Barcelona and 30 international goals for Spain.

📸 2023 Ballon d’Or winners - Lionel Messi & Aitana Bonmati

.
.
.#ballondor #ballondor2023 #messi #lionelmessi #aitanabonmati #intermiami #fcbarcelona #barcelonafemenino pic.twitter.com/MfEPHpiAEs

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) October 31, 2023

Honorary Mention: Mary Earps

The legendary English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, is a name honorary mention for this list. She plays for PSG and is considered to have the safest pair of hands when it comes to football. Earps' legendary performance in the UEFA Euro 2022 will always be remembered in the history of English football, as they lifted the European Championship. 

Earps played for a total of 11 clubs, including Manchester United and became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 clean sheets in the WSL. 

Earps received the Golden Glove Award for her record-breaking 14 clean sheets in 2024 for Manchester United. She is a two-time FIFA Best and Golden Glove winner. 

Her iconic contributions deserves a special place in the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

Read Also | 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

Read Also | Beatrice Chebet becomes the first woman to run 5km under 14 minutes in Barcelona

Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.

USWNT Defender Naomi Girma has joined Chelsea Women for a world-record transfer fee for a female footballer. The Women's Super League leaders paid €1 million to San Diego Wave FC to secure the services of the 24-year-old defender.

Girma was officially presented on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions before Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge.

It's official. ✍️

Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025

Girma signs for Chelsea for a world-record fee

The world record for the highest transfer fees paid for a female footballer was held by Bay FC, who paid €685,000 for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

Chelsea has broken the transfer world record and also surpassed the British transfer signing record as well, previously held by Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea for a €384,000 transfer fee.

Girma has also become the first-ever €1M signing in women's football.

Chelsea Women gaffer Sonia Bompastor has made her first January 2025 signing with Girma as she will enter the team roster after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an ACL tear injury in November 2024.

World-record signing Naomi Girma was presented at Stamford Bridge 🤩🔵 pic.twitter.com/vqT0XneC0C

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 26, 2025

Naomi Girma played an integral part in USWNT's Olympic Gold-winning campaign in Paris last year and was also named the US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

However, Girma has signed a huge 4-year deal until 2029 as Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green affirmed his confidence in this signing.

Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

Girma also expressed her excitement about joining the Blues as she stated to BBC Sport:

I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real,

There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do.

Record transfers in women's football

East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.

The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.

Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.

Read Also | Indumathi, Shilky, Shreya among the winners of IWL 2023-24 awards

The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback.