Jenni fired up for Spain’s semi-final showdown with Sweden: “If you’re not nervous, something’s wrong”

Spain have already made history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup - it’s only the second time that the senior national team, in both men’s and women’s categories have made it this far at the World Cup, but Jorge Vilda’s team, who take on Sweden for a place in the final on Tuesday, are determined to keep on going now that the ultimate prize is within reach.

Reaching the semi-finals: “Tomorrow’s game is the result of millions of training sessions. It has cost us to get here, we’ve had to sacrifice so many things, being away from our loved ones amongst other things. I’m not going to say that getting this far this is a prize or a gift. I just think it’s the fruit of a lot of hard work. And that I hope that all of Spain enjoys it”.

Mood in the camp: “If there are no nerves, something is not going well. You always have to have those butterflies in your stomach. Just thinking about the final gives me goosebumps. Tomorrow’s game is another final, and we will treat it like any other game in this World Cup. Tomorrow Spain will come out with more enthusiasm than ever”.

Media hype: “We were just talking about that earlier - you enter the press room and it’s full and buzzing. It’s really impressive. There was a time when there were only five people asking us questions - and 300 people in the stands. I want to thank those people who, right from the beginning, have helped today’s girls to fill stadiums and press conferences”.

Sweden: “I’ve been lucky enough to play with [Fridolina] Rolfö and [Caroline] Seger in Sweden. They are a fast, strong, forceful side. Spain is going to have to fight and play their game. The squad has been working hard and preparing for this game in training so that we can go into the game feeling calm”.

Experience: “This is the first semi-final for this team, but I see the players more motivated than ever. I don’t remember anything that happened in the past. I am excited to be living dreams that I have had since I was a kid. I’m here, I’m happy and I hope to continue making history with my country”.

Career: “Playing for Barcelona was one of the best moments in football for me. I always wanted to win the Champions League. I hope my international career doesn’t end without winning anything with Spain. I feel proud to wear this shirt, to represent my country. But I would love it if I still had more games to play”.

Advice: “To the younger players who are now coming into the side with expectations that we didn’t have, I admire them in the way that they are not afraid of anything - the same thing happened to me. That joy that Salma transmits when she plays. The mentality is good for all of us. This union of young people and veterans makes us strong out on the pitch”.

Alexia and Irene: “You saw the images. It was a very emotional afternoon. I couldn’t stop crying, I was still crying even when we got to the hotel. We’ve been through so much together. It’s thanks to that we are here. I’m lucky to be with them here. They are so many memories. It was an historical moment. That the three of us are still here is an achievement, we have contributed to making this happen. Whatever happens, we will continue to be here, this is not going to end here”.