Women’s World Cup: Spain reach semi-final after extra-time win over Netherlands

Spain have reached their first ever Women’s World Cup semi-final after beating the Netherlands in extratime.

Salma Paralluelo came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 111th minute after the Netherlands had forged a late comeback to force the match into extra time.

Mariona Caldentey had given Spain the lead with an 81st-minute spot kick after Stefanie van der Gragt’s handball, but it was Van der Gragt who got the Dutch level in stoppage time.

Spain will face either Sweden or Japan in the semi-final, who meet later today.

The Netherlands were outplayed for most of the match, and were lucky to take the game into extra time.

They were rescued by VAR when Esther Gonzalez’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

Alba Redondo had earlier hit the post twice in quick succession. Her header was tipped onto the post by a superb Daphne van Domselaar save and the Spain forward sent the rebound against the same post too.

VAR was called into action twice more before the 90 minutes were up. Lineth Beerensteyn thought she had won a penalty against the run of play after going down under an Irene Paredes challenge, but referee Stephanie Frappart overturned her decision after reviewing the footage.

Spain’s penalty award also went to the VAR, which showed that Van der Gragt’s arm was just inside the area, and Caldentey stepped up to open the scoring.

Central defender Van der Gragt went up front in the closing stages as the Netherlands hunted for a late equaliser, and she fired into the far corner after breaking through the Spain defence.

Beerensteyn had a superb chance to give the Netherlands the lead in stoppage time but blazed over from close range.

Moments later, Paralluelo picked up Jenni Hermoso’s pass before striking the ball in off the post to secure Spain’s place in the semi-final.

“It means everything for me, it was a unique moment, great euphoria… I’m extremely happy,” Paralluelo said.

“We went to extra time, but the team kept on believing,” said coach Jorge Vilda.

“They played on an extraordinary level, all the players, and it was a match with a lot of emotional decisions, and the goal from Salma, it was sheer joy.”

Cover Photo: Flag of Spain, Undated” by nathanh100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .