Every day throughout the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, 20 minutes provides an update on the highlights of the competition. This Friday, we are interested in the qualifications in the last four of Spain and Sweden, but also obviously in the declarations of the day before the match (Saturday at 9 am) between the French and Australian camps. The pressure, what pressure?
La Roja saved by young Salma Paralluelo
Spain knew how to be damn strong to slip into the semi-finals of the World Cup, given the crazy scenario it went through at the end of the match against the Netherlands. Thanks to a very late opener from Mariona Caldentey from the penalty spot (1-0, 81st), after the VAR came to the aid of Stéphanie Frappart, the qualification of La Roja was hardly in doubt.
But the Dutch Stefanie van der Gragt managed to equalize in added time (1-1, 90th + 1), dragging the Iberian selection into a breathless extension. Clearly dominating, Spain had the resources to win thanks to a decisive goal from young Barça winger Salma Paralluelo (19). “My prediction is that Spain will reach the final, they are an excellent team,” predicted Dutch coach Andries Jonker.
Sweden confirms its feat signed against the Americans
To be part of the big meeting on August 20 in Sydney, Jorge Vilda’s players will have to beat Sweden in the half. And it is not an easy task to undermine the partners of the imposing Zecira Musovic. Remember, it had been heroic throughout the round of 16 during the feat against Team USA (0-0, 5-4 on penalties). The Swedes confirmed this performance by beating Japan (2-1) without trembling, this Friday in Auckland, with goals from Ilestedt (1-0, 32nd) and Angeldahl (2-0, 51st from the penalty spot). The undecided appointment is made for Tuesday (10 a.m.) in Auckland.
Reassuring fox for Bacha and Lakrar
Good news is in the game for Les Bleues this Friday. Still slightly uncertain, defender Maëlle Lakrar, embarrassed in one thigh and out against Morocco), as well as winger Selma Bacha, injured in the right ankle, were able to train normally with the group. The two young players, very important in Hervé Renard’s eleven since the start of the World Cup, will thus be “ready” on Saturday against Australia, confirmed the coach of the France team. No absence to deplore, a clear and clear rise in power since the success against Brazil (2-1), what else ?
France “under immense pressure”?
The Swedish coach of Australia, Tony Gustavsson, played a score as old as the world, this Friday at a press conference. Judge for yourself: “I know that this is a huge opportunity for the French women and that they will be under immense pressure in relation to what they want to achieve during this tournament. As for us, we’ve said it from the start, we don’t even feel the pressure of playing in front of our audience. We just have the impression of being carried by the supporters”. Yeah, we can’t wait to see if the “Matildas” won’t tense up a bit as they get seriously closer to this crazy dream of becoming world champions at home. See you on Saturday (9 a.m.), in case one of you has already forgotten this unmissable event.