Spain 2-1 Sweden: Spain beat Sweden in dramatic late-game action to book place in final
Spain are the first team of the 2023 Women’s World Cup to book their place in the tournament’s final, where they’ll face either England or Australia.
After a cagey 80 minutes, both teams came alive to score three goals in total before the end.
It’s the first time Spain’s Women’s team have reached a World Cup final.
The game had few chances for much of the match but came alive when Spanish substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with just 10 minutes remaining.
But just 93 seconds later, Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist found the equaliser. It was a stunning goal that left everyone thinking the game was about to go to extra time.
But Captain Olga Carmona had other ideas – scoring an 89th-minute winner to spark scenes of jubilation from the Eden Park stadium in Auckland.
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‘Explosive finish’
The full-time whistle was met with wild celebrations from the Spanish players as the dream of a World Cup win took one step closer. But for Sweden, it was, of course, heartbreak.
Sweden, who fought off former champions USA and tournament favourites Japan, fell to the ground as their World Cup dream came to an end.
Sweden’s performance throughout had been honourable. A dramatic shootout with the USA and a strong and dominant Last-16 performance.
There was little evidence the game would come to life in the last 10 minutes. Much of the match had been a cagey affair with few opportunities to score.
It wasn’t until the 42nd minute that the first shot on target was registered. Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo denied her third goal of the tournament by Cata Coll.
Spain dominated possession but Sweden’s defence, which has been solid and resolute for the past month, frustrated their opponents for long periods, while the Swedes once again used a familiar weapon to try and find a breakthrough.
Spain will now face England or Australia in the final in Sydney on Sunday.