Football World Cup: Eden Park braces for more records when Spain face Sweden in semi-finals

The Women's Football World Cup has broken more records than ever expected and Tuesday's Eden Park semi-final at Auckland's Eden Park could see another match written into New Zealand history. 

When Sweden take on Spain for their chance in the final, it's expected to become the most-watched event in the stadium's history.

The self-proclaimed 'national stadium' has already witnessed magical moments during a tournament that has seen records tumble and New Zealand's last fixture is expected to take things to a whole new level.  

Sweden celebrate their World Cup quarter-final win over Japan at Eden Park.
Sweden celebrate their World Cup quarter-final win over Japan at Eden Park. Photo credit: Photosport

"We're going to smash all records again tomorrow night," Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner. "We're confident, with Spain and Sweden, we will emulate some of the crowds that have been seen globally.

"We're hoping that tomorrow's fixture will break all records, including global viewership. The world will be watching." 

The semi-final may attract the biggest televison audience for any sporting fixture ever held at the venue.

"The 2011 Rugby World Cup final saw over two million local viewing and cumulatively more over 50 million globally," said Sautner. 

Those numbers may soon be humbled by the Women's Football World Cup.

Across the Tasman, the Aussie public has been swept up in the Matildas' historic run to the semi-finals, but the early departures of the Football Ferns and two-time defending champions USA has not dented Kiwi support for the tournament, despite slow early ticket sales.

"There was a game in Wellington, where the US were supposed to play, and that was still full," World Cup chief executive Dave Beeche told AM. "We've still heard plenty of American voices around Auckland.

"The data will play out in the post-event analysis, but we certainly haven't seen any of that. The stadiums are still full and the tournament is still progressing." 

After reaching the business end of the competition, Sweden and Spain face off for a spot in the final - a place Spain have never been.

"I really feel that I'm privileged and very proud to be part of everything that women's football has gone through," said captain Ivana Andres.

Join Newshub at 8pm Tuesday for live updates of the Spain v Sweden Football World Cup semi-final