Become a member to join in Australia's biggest sporting debate, submit articles, receive updates straight to your inbox and keep up with your favourite teams and authors.
Spain await either the Matildas or England in the Women’s World Cup final after defeating Sweden 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Auckland that burst into colour in the final 10 minutes.
With precious few chances created over 80 minutes, Spain’s teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo came off the bench to open the scoring in the 81st minute.
But Sweden found a super-sub of their own with Rebecka Blomqvist equalising seven minutes later.
The contest was tied for just 135 seconds before Spainsh captain Olga Carmona struck a long-distance winner to settle the issue and send Jorge Vilda’s side into their first major final.
???????? VAMOSSSSS ????????
Spain are into their first ever major final and just look at what it means to them.
Spain executed their brand of possession-heavy football for long spells and will take some beating in Sunday’s decider against the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Australia and England.
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson predicted “lovely football” from the high-pressing sides but for the opening half hour the contest fell short of the hype.
Alexia Putellas, in her tournament debut, looked sharp as Spain dominated possession without breaking down the Swedes.
Carmona whistled a long shot just wide off the back post in the 14th minute for Spain’s closest call of the half.
Sweden didn’t produce a shot until the 42nd minute when Nathalie Bjorn looped a ball to the back post which Fridolina Rolfo volleyed, drawing a smart save from rookie goalkeeper Cata Coll.
Coll, just 22 and Barcelona’s reserve goalkeeper, made her debut for Spain in their round-of-16 win over Switzerland but has since kept her place in an extraordinary introduction to international football.
Putellas made way for Paralluelo shortly after the break which coincided with a momentum swing in favour of the Spanish.
Paralluelo’s tricky feet and speed immediately caused Sweden problems, stretching their defence.
Spain came close in the 69th minute when Alba Redondo fluffed Jenni Hermoso’s cross before Paralluelo gained possession for Redondo, who swept the ball into the side-netting while on the ground.
Advertisement
The breakthrough came when Sweden failed to deal with another Hermoso cross, with Paralluelo on the spot to volley home.
Salma Paralluelo scores for Spain and they could be on their way to the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ FINAL! ????????
She netted late in the quarter finals against The Netherlands
