Spain women’s team beat Netherlands 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup tournament.
Mariona Caldentey opened the scoring for Spain in the 81st minute via a penalty, while Stefanie Van der Gragt leveled matters for the Dutch in the 90+1. Salina Paralluelo scored the winner in extra time to send La Roja to their first semi-final stage.
Meanwhile, Spain has not progressed past the knockout stages in their two previous World Cup appearances and will be seeking to reach the finals for the first time in their history.
However, reacting to the result, Spain head coach Jorge Vilda told FIFA.com that the win is a huge boost as the team seeks to qualify for the finals of the tournament.
“You always dream of a moment like this. We have reached the semifinals for the first time, and we are among the four best in the world, but we are not going to stop. Today, yes, we will celebrate, but tomorrow we will prepare for the semifinals because we want to be in the final, “Jorge Vilda said.
All European semi-final match
The Spain women’s side will meet Sweden in the semi-finals; the European side defeated title favorites, Japan 2-1 in the other quarter-final match today.
READ ALSO: Sweden knocks out Japan, FIFAWWC to have a first-time winner
Sweden put on an outstanding effort to secure a meeting with Spain in the semifinals, shattering Japan’s hopes.
After easily completing the group stage and defeating Norway in the round of 16, the Japanese team was viewed as title contenders.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup will now have a brand-new winner after the elimination of Japan, who were the remaining former champions in the competition.
