Sweden 2-3 Spain: Opposing players stand together before Women’s Nations League match amid scandal

Sweden and Spain players stood together in solidarity before their Uefa Women’s Nations League assembly on Friday, following the scandal which has engulfed Spanish soccer.

The banner additionally learn “our battle is the worldwide battle”, and the Spanish players have been applauded onto the sector for his or her warm-ups by the house followers in Gothenburg.

The Spanish players additionally wore wristbands with “se acabo” written on them, for what was a rematch of the World Cup semi-final which Spain won 2-1 in Auckland in August.

The sport itself was an entertaining spectacle, with Spain successful 3-2 because of a penalty in additional time, scored by Mariona Caldentey.

Earlier former Chelsea centre-back Magdalena Eriksson, who made her a hundredth look for Sweden and was honoured in a particular presentation before the sport, headed the hosts in entrance.

Athenea del Castillo equalised for Spain before half-time when her 20-yard shot was mishandled by Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic, the ball spiralling over the Chelsea participant and into the web.

Eva Navarro put Spain 2-1 forward after the break with a thunderous effort which was celebrated by the players in a bunch hug – a gesture of togetherness following the occasions of current weeks – nevertheless Sweden pulled degree by Arsenal midfielder Lina Hurtig before the late penalty drama.

Spain take an early lead in Group A4, which additionally entails Italy and and Switzerland. The pool winners qualify for subsequent yr’s finals event, which will even resolve contributors within the 2024 Olympics.

Spain play after weeks of controversy

This sport was the primary for the Spain girls’s nationwide staff since beating England 1-0 within the last at Stadium Australia.

Following the ultimate, former president of the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the course of the trophy presentation ceremony. Hermoso mentioned the kiss was not consensual, setting off a exceptional chain of occasions.

Both Rubiales and World Cup-winning supervisor Jorge Vilda have been finally sacked, whereas the Spanish players threatened a boycott of the sport towards Sweden.

The boycott was only called off after reaching an settlement with the RFEF on Wednesday, which mentioned it had dedicated to “speedy and profound modifications.”

Rubiales has been banned from going inside 200 metres of Hermoso after she filed a authorized grievance. Appearing in courtroom for the primary time final Friday, Rubiales denied sexually assaulting Hermoso.