Spain Beat Sweden To Reach First FIFA Women's World Cup Final
Spain beat Sweden 2-1 in Auckland on Tuesday to qualify for Sunday's FIFA Women's World Cup final.
After 80 minutes of goalless play, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo fired Spain in front with a controlled low finish from 10 yards, despite close pressure from two Swedish defenders.
Sweden then equalized in the 88th minute when Rebecka Blomqvist found the top corner following a headed assist by Lina Hurtig.
But Sweden had barely finished celebrating by the time Spain retook the lead just 95 seconds later.
Olga Carmo collected a pass from a corner kick before nailing a fierce strike into the net, via the crossbar, from just outside of the 18-yard box.
Spain's players pictured celebrating during their 2-1 win over Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
IMAGO/NurPhoto/Jose Breton
Spain had never previously progressed beyond the round of 16 at a FIFA Women's World Cup.
They will now face either England or Australia in their first final.
Spain started their 2023 World Cup campaign with convincing wins over Costa Rica and Zambia.
But a 4-0 loss to Japan in their final group game cast doubts over La Roja's credentials.
Spain answered their critics by thrashing Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16 before beating the Netherlands 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals.
Spain are currently the top scorers at the 2023 Women's World Cup with 17 goals.
Jennifer Hermoso, Aitana Bonmati and Alba Redondo have all scored three goals each. Paralluelo has bagged twice, while Esther Gonzalez, Laia Codina, Mariona Caldentey, Teresa Abelleira and Carmona have also hit the net.
