Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

Image source, BBC Sport

They played Abba's Mamma Mia over the speakers immediately after Sweden's quarter-final win over Japan here last Friday.

The first semi-final kicks-off at 8pm local time and the winner takes it all...the way to the final.

Sweden and Spain have a dream. But who will be the dancing queen? Alexia Putellas or Fridolina Rolfo?

Image source, BBC Sport

Sweden will not be haunted by past semi-final heartbreaks when they face Spain for a place in the Women's World Cup final, says Jonas Eidevall.

The Swedes lost 1-0 to the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, before suffering a 4-0 defeat by England in the last four at Euro 2022.

They face Spain in Auckland on Tuesday looking to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 2003.

"They'll believe anything is possible," said Arsenal's Swedish boss Eidevall.

Despite reaching several finals, Sweden have not won a major trophy since winning the first Uefa European Championship in 1984 when only four teams took part.

In addition to reaching back-to-back World Cup semi-finals and the last four of Euro 2022, they lost both finals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Spain did not even qualify for a World Cup until 2015, and had never advanced beyond the round of 16 until this tournament.

La Roja have a slightly better record in European Championships, having reached the past three quarter-finals. They took the Lionesses to extra-time in the last eight at Euro 2022.

But a semi-final, and the pressure that comes with it, will be a new feeling for both.

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

Image source, Getty Images

This was the scene at the Spain news conference at Eden Park on Monday - the room was packed with journalists, photographers and TV camera crews from all around the world.

Long-serving Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, who made her debut in 2012, said: "I was not expecting so many people in the press room.

"I can remember the time when we had five or 10 people asking us questions and 300 people watching our games.

"I'm really proud to be part of what women's football has gone through and I want to thank those players who from day one set the base so that we can enjoy it now."

Whoever wins today will be one step closer to winning their first ever World Cup.

Here's how Sweden made it to the semi-finals of this tournament:

Group stage: Sweden got maximum points in Group G, beating South Africa, Italy and Argentina. Peter Gerhardsson's side beat Italy 5-0 and conceded just one goal in their three group games.

Last 16: Sweden drew 0-0 with USA in normal time and then extra-time before beating them 5-4 on penalties.

Quarter-finals: Tournament favourites Japan suffered a 2-1 defeat against Sweden who reached their fifth semi-final as a result of their victory.

After plenty of heartbreak, could this be the year when they lift the trophy?

Whoever wins today will be one step closer to winning their first ever World Cup.

Here's how Spain made it to the semi-finals of this tournament:

Group stage: Convincing victories over Costa Rica and Zambia saw Spain book their place in the last 16 but they were brought back down to earth following a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing by Japan in their final group game.

Last 16: Jorge Vilda's side cruised through their last-16 match with a 5-1 victory over Switzerland.

Quarter-finals: Spain were in control against the Netherlands but conceded in injury time. During a tense period of extra-time, they got their second goal and won 2-1 to book their semi-final slot.

Spain did not qualify for a World Cup until 2015, and had never advanced beyond the round of 16 until this tournament.

Could they go all the way?

The big news from Spain dressing room is Alexia Putellas - whose minutes have been limited due to a knee injury - starts.

The presence of the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona player in midfield is a huge boost for the Spanish who are seeking to reach their first World Cup final.

There are two changes from the side that started the 2-1 quarter-final win over the Netherlands. Olga Carmona comes into the defence and is captain of the side as Oihane Hernandez is suspended and Esther Gonzalez drops out.

Image source, Opta

Sweden are unchanged from the side that defeated Japan last time out so that means there are five Women's Super League players in the starting XI.

They are Chelsea keeper Zecira Musovic, Everton defender Nathalie Bjorn, Arsenal duo Amanda Ilestedt and Stina Blackstenius as well as Chelsea's Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

Image source, Opta

Let's start off with some team news and there's some big news out of the Spain camp...

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

With co-hosts Australia staging the second semi-final, third place play-off and final, this is the 29th and final match of the Women's World Cup in New Zealand.

With a population of just five million people and where rugby and cricket dominates the sporting landscape, New Zealand has helped deliver a spectacular festival of women's football.

From Auckland to Wellington and Hamilton to Dunedin, crowds have clapped, cheered and marvelled at the skills of global stars like Alexia Putellas, Alex Morgan, Ada Hegerberg and Fridolina Rolfo.

Fans here have flocked in their hundreds of thousands to games over the past month, with Wellington Regional Stadium hosting nine matches.

"It seemed like a distant dream in the dark days of Covid," Shane Harmon, CEO of Wellington Regional Stadium, said.

"Any concerns prior to the tournament about whether Kiwis would get behind this event in sufficient numbers have been firmly put to rest."

Image source, Getty Images

Morning everyone!

The first of two World Cup semi-finals are upon us. Tomorrow, it will be England's turn to go for a place in the final against co-hosts Australia.

But first up it's Spain, featuring in their first semi-final, against Sweden, playing in their fifth. Whatever happens, we'll have a new name on the trophy.

Will it be Sweden or Spain to face England or Australia in the final in front of a sell-out 75,000 crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday?

Grab a brew, let's do this.

A place in the final awaits.

Will it be a first final appearance for Spain after their first World Cup semi-final? Or will it be Sweden with the chance to right the wrongs of previous years?

Only one of those things can happen.

One will be in Sydney on Sunday and the other will be going home (well after playing in Saturday's third-placed play-off).

No matter the result, we'll have fresh faces in Sunday's showpiece.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images