Spain Beats Sweden, Reaches Women’s World Cup Final
Spain reached its first FIFA Women’s World Cup final after Olga Carmona struck late to claim a thrilling 2-1 victory against Sweden in the semi-final on Tuesday, at the Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
In a match-up filled with Spanish attacking flair and Swedish defensive resilience, both side could not find the net in the first half. Spain were the livelier side early on but had little to show for their possession and vigour.
Sweden barely wavered in defence and entered the second half looking to cause an upset.
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Spain’s quarter-final hero against the Netherlands, Salma Paralluelo, then opened the scoring in the 81st minute as her goal brought life into what had been a cagey affair.
However, Sweden equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist in the 88th minute to give her side a glimmer of hope.
In a spectacular turn-of-events, Spanish defender Carmona broke the deadlock in a late twist as her fierce strike tipped onto the underside of the bar by goal keeper Zecira Musovic, before bouncing down over the line.
Carmona’s late winner from the edge of the area sent the fans at Eden Park into a frenzy as Spain reached its first FIFA Women’s World Cup final on Tuesday.
Less than a year after a player revolt tore the squad apart, ‘La Roja’ will have the chance to lift the trophy on Sunday when they face co-hosts Australia or England in the decider.
🇪🇸 @SEFutbolFem are into their first #FIFAWWC Final!!! 👏
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 15, 2023
Sweden bows out after another defeat, having made the semi-finals in France four years ago and also the last four at last year’s European Championship.
Carmona was Spain’s hero as the defender fired her country into its first Women’s World Cup final after a rollercoaster victory against Sweden.
What a way to make it to the #FIFAWWC Final! 🤯
La Roja are flying high! 🇪🇸🔥
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 15, 2023
