The new stage in Sweden sparked a tense draw as Cardona’s goal leveled Blomqvist’s strike. The match carried a bittersweet note, reflecting the wider tensions around the squad and the coach Jorge Vilda. A friendly atmosphere contrasted with the turbulence surrounding the team, which had produced weeks of debate about player participation and leadership. Whistles greeted the lineup announcements, and the coach’s exit to the pitch underscored the unsettled mood.
In Nuevo Arcángel, Spain faced a formidable opponent in Sweden, a side that finished top of its group unbeaten. Blomqvist struck from the right and found a low finish inside the post, beating Misa Rodriguez. Aslani contributed a rapid burst of pace that Spain struggled to contain, tipping the balance early in the match.
TO THE ROUND ALBA BAR!
That was a promising start as Spain pressed for an equalizer in the second half. The crowd tuned in for a hard-fought draw as the match progressed.
Follow Spain – Sweden on Teledeporte and Teledeporte social channels for more updates. This fixture was a reminder of the high tempo both teams brought to the field.
— Telesport (@telesport) 7 October 2022
Spain sought to shift the rhythm from the left flank, aiming to catch the Swedes by surprise. Alba Redondo tested Musovic with a left-footed attempt from distance, while Esther González followed up with a blocked counterattack from outside the area, as Musovic responded with a composed save at the near post. A notable observation from the first half was Sweden’s representation, with more Barça players on the field than Spain. Rolfö was the sole Barça player involved in the starting lineup while on the bench Laia Codina and Nuria Rabano waited for their chance to contribute.
Vilda’s squad maintained a cautious approach through the opening 45 minutes, managing to keep the match level. Alba Redondo produced a dangerous cross that Zornoza headed toward goal, signaling Spain’s growing threat. Yet the finish eluded them as the clock wound down toward halftime, leaving the team short of the decisive strike needed to tilt the balance in their favor.
Spain put another gear
The second half opened with a newly unleashed pace. Spain pushed forward with renewed intent, choosing to chase the draw rather than settle for a stalemate. Within four minutes, Alba Redondo met Athenea’s cross with a header to Musovic’s right post, and Spain found the breakthrough they had been seeking, leveling the scoreline.
Match commentary reflected Spain’s improved tempo as the game developed into a more open contest. The broadcast noted a strong second half from Spain, underscoring the team’s willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of victory.
The early minutes of the second period showcased a side intent on balance through intensity. An Athenea sequence created the opening that led to Musovic facing a sharp response from Spain. The Swedish goalkeeper demonstrated stability and clean technique as she repelled several attempts, turning what could have been dangerous moments into decisive saves. Her positioning and reflexes became a central feature of the match, halting Spain’s momentum at key junctures.
One notable development was Nuria Rabano stepping onto the field in the second half, providing a fresh dynamic for Spain. Her entry coincided with some anxious minutes for the visitors, who needed to safeguard the progress they had made in the second period. The equalizing goal finally arrived in the 83rd minute after a well-placed corner delivered into the box. Marta Cardona directed the ball home with a left-footed finish following Irene Guerrero’s assist, sealing a draw that reflected Spain’s perseverance and tactical adjustments as the clock wound down.
Data sheet
cadres
Spain: Misa Rodriguez; Ivana Andres, Rocío Galvez, Olga Carmona, Núria Rabano (substituted in 75), Oihane Hernandez; Teresa Abelleira (Maite Oroz, 62), Irene Guerrero, Claudia Zornoza; Athenea del Castillo, Alba Redondo (Marta Cardona, 75), Esther Gonzalez.
Sweden: Musovic; Ilestedt, Sembrant, Eriksson; Rytting Kaneryd, Benninson (Björn, 90), Rubensson (Zigiotti, 73), Nildén (Andersson, 62); Aslani (Hurtig, 73), Blomqvist (Blackstenius, 62) and Rolfö (Jakobsson, 62).
goals: 0-1 Blomqvist min 14; 1-1 Marta Cardona min 83.
Referee: Sandra Bastos (Portugal). A clean game with no cautions.
Events: Friendly match in front of 5,658 spectators at the Nuevo Arcángel stadium in Córdoba. A minute’s silence honored those who lost their lives in the Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster in Indonesia.