The women’s national football team is preparing for an exciting matchup with Sweden in the 2024–25 Nations League Finals.  After the thrilling draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, this high-stakes, two-leg showdown is squarely scheduled for October 22–28.

Having defeated England, Belgium, and Portugal to win Group 3, Tomé’s team is entering the field with the assurance of the defending champions.  With the rematch scheduled to take place in Sweden, the stage is set for them to host the strong Scandinavian team in the first leg.  Football powerhouses France and Germany are playing each other in the other semifinal, and if Spain wins, they will have the benefit of hosting the second leg of the championship match.

With 12 points, Sweden, led by players like Real Madrid’s masterful midfielder Filippa Angeldahl and Barcelona’s nimble striker Fridolina Rolfö, led their group and narrowly defeated Italy by two points.  The Swedes, who have a perfect record of three victories and three draws, are eager to exact revenge on Spain, who have defeated them in their last three games.

Going back to the 2023 World Cup, Salma Paralluelo and Olga Carmona helped Spain defeat Sweden 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal.  Then, Spain made history by winning the title of world champion.  Additionally, they outplayed Sweden twice in the 2023–24 Nations League group stage, winning 3-2 in Gothenburg with to a spectacular late penalty from Mariona Caldentey and pulling off an incredible 5-3 comeback at La Rosaleda after falling behind 1-3 at first.  Prior to this run, Spain and Sweden had a mixed record of one loss and one draw.

Both the semifinals and the final will feature a thrilling knockout match between the Liga A group winners over two fast legs, which is a welcome change from the previous year.  Make sure to mark October 22 and 28 on your calendars for the semifinals, and November 26 and December 2 for the grand finale and the thrilling third-place match.

 Full of excitement at the draw, Spanish tactician Montse Tomé described Sweden as “a good opponent.”  In a perceptive observation, she noted, “They are a tough opponent, but we are ready for the challenge.” She complimented their skill in set pieces and strong style.

Alongside past talents like Asllani, she highlighted the perceptive familiarity brought about by the Swedish stars, such as Rolfö and Angeldahl, lighting up the Spanish league.  She was particularly wary of the threat that Blackstenius’s presence up front created.

 “It creates scenarios we need to prepare for,” Tomé said in response to the two-legged challenge.  Italy has been a fierce competitor for Sweden in the qualifying round.  We cannot undervalue any European opponent because the second leg will take place in Sweden; every game will be tough.”