The Netherlands and Sweden meet in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup as two differing histories collide. The Oranje reached the round of 16 last season in their first ever tournament campaign. The Blågult meanwhile have qualified for every edition of the competition, reaching the semi-finals three times and the Final once, losing to Germany in 2003.
Now, both sides have predominantly exceeded expectations. This tactical analysis preview will describe how the Netherlands and Sweden are two teams deserving of their semi-final spot, and how their meeting might play out.
Lineups
Both teams played the same starting lineups in each of their last two matches. The Netherlands, helmed by manager Sarina Wiegman, set up in their 4-3-3 attacking shape with pressing and on-the-ball play focused in the wide areas and half-spaces. The full-backs Desiree Van Lunteren and Merel van Dongen push forward in both situations, often leaving centre-backs Stefanie Van der Gragt and Dominique Bloodworth to defend across the back line areas. The midfield trio of Jackie Groenen, Sherida Spitse, and Danielle van de Donk often highlight the press and wide area attacks. Vivianne Miedema, the top scorer in Netherlands national team history, receives crosses while occupying zone 14 and central spaces inside the opposing box.
For the knockout rounds, Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson has gone against the reputation of being tactically flexible and instead opted for a more low-block setup. Keeper Hedvig Lindahl has made vital saves when needed, but the stout back line comprised of Hanna Glas, Nilla Fischer, Linda Sembrant, and Magdalena Eriksson has been one of the best of the tournament. On counter-attacks, the ball is quickly moved forward through the lines, from Caroline Seger and Elin Rubensson to the front four. The movement and versatility of Kosovare Asllani has allowed the other three ample space to exploit and finish. Striker Stina Blackstenius has scored the match-winning goal in both of the last two matches.
