Sweden Falls to Spain in Nations League Semifinal, Eyes Third-Place Match
Sweden was defeated by Spain in the Nations League 2025 semifinal with an aggregate score of 5-0, but coach Tony Gustavsson focused on youth integration as the team prepares for the third-place match.
- • Sweden lost 1-0 in the second leg and 5-0 on aggregate to Spain in the Nations League semifinal.
- • Coach Tony Gustavsson rotated the squad and gave multiple young players a debut in the match.
- • Alexia Putellas scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute at Gamla Ullevi.
- • Sweden will now prepare to compete for third place against Germany or France in December.
Key details
The Swedish women's national football team faced a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the return leg of the Nations League 2025 semifinal, played at Gamla Ullevi, Göteborg, solidifying a 5-0 aggregate loss after the prior 4-0 defeat in Málaga. Despite the loss, Sweden's young squad, led by new head coach Tony Gustavsson, showcased potential as the team looks forward to competing for third place in early December.
In the semifinal second leg, Spain's Alexia Putellas scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Sweden. Sweden struggled to generate clear chances, with only one shot on goal late in the first half coming from 18-year-old Felicia Schröder, who was among several young players given a starting role. Young talents such as Smilla Holmberg and Elma Junttila Nelhage were also prominent as Coach Gustavsson rotated the lineup, resting several key experienced players like Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfö to test newcomers ahead of the coming World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Gustavsson, holding a contract through the 2029 European Championship, expressed his disappointment, stating, "I hate to lose," but emphasized the importance of blending youth with experience going forward. Sweden's Evelyn Ijeh came close to equalizing late in the match, but her effort was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Catalina Coll. Despite Sweden's valiant efforts, Spain maintained control and is poised to secure its second consecutive Nations League title.
Sweden will prepare to face either Germany or France in the third-place playoff scheduled for December 2, focusing on gaining further experience and continuing squad development. The integration of young players appears to be a key theme in Gustavsson's strategy to build a competitive team for future international tournaments.
This Nations League semifinal series, marked by tactical rotation and the emergence of new Swedish talents, concludes with Sweden seeking to build momentum and resilience as they move forward in international competition.