2023-08-15 12:26:28
Spain qualified for the first Women’s World Cup final in its history, beating Sweden (2-1) in the semi-finals on Tuesday August 15 in Auckland.
Published on: 08/15/2023 – 12:26
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With a goal from Olga Carmona late in the game (90th), Spain won 2-1 against Sweden and here they are in the final of the Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.
If that semi-final in Auckland seemed to drift into extra time, it suddenly came to life when substitute Salma Paralluelo gave Spain the lead nine minutes from time. With an overpowered strike, the Spanish defender knocked out the Swedes who had equalized a few seconds earlier, by Rebecka Blomqvist (88th).
Spain thwarted the odds, despite behind-the-scenes tensions
Padlocked for a long time, the match was unlocked in a last quarter of an hour of madness, following the opener of Salma Paralluelo (81st), already decisive in the quarter-finals.
Spain, who were playing in their first World Cup semi-final, remain in contention for a title that would crown their change in status from emerging nation to established power.
Aitana Bonmati’s teammates thwarted the odds, despite tensions behind the scenes linked to the methods deemed divisive by coach Jorge Vilda, who suffered the revolt of fifteen internationals last year who no longer wanted to play under his orders.
One of the youngest selections of the tournament will face, on Sunday in Sydney, Australia or England, two other countries in search of a first star. The cruel outcome is repeated for Sweden, which loses a third consecutive World Cup semi-final, after 2011 and 2019.
With AFP
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