Women's World Cup 2023: Spain await Lionesses or Australia in Sunday's final
15.08.2023 - 20:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Spain await the winners of England and Australia in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden.
Salma Paralluelo broke the deadlock just 10 minutes from time after a period of sustained Spanish dominance, adding to her winning goal against Netherlands in the quarter-final.
A thrilling finish to the first semi-final then ensued as Spain captain Olga Carmona scored in the 89th minute, just 93 seconds after Rebecka Blomqvist had levelled proceedings.
England fans will hope their showdown with hosts Australia is a little easier on the nerves, when they bid to make the final for the time against hosts Australia on Wednesday.
Carmona calm amid chaotic late show
There were few incidents of note in the opening 80 minutes in Auckland before a sensational closing 10 minutes which ended with Spain dumping out the 2003 runners-up.
It took until the 42nd minute for the first shot on target of the game, as Cata Coll denied Barcelona teammate Fridolina Rolfo a first goal of the night for Sweden, and her third of the tournament.
Sweden had conceded just two tournament goals prior to the Eden Park encounter, and their rock-solid defence continued to keep Spain at bay even with Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas back among the starters.
Putellas exited the field on 57 minutes and it was her replacement who made the difference.
Nineteen-year-old Paralluelo pounced on a loose ball inside the Sweden 18-yard box, sweeping home for what looked like the winner.
Back came from Sweden and after Lina Hurtig’s knockdown, fellow sub Blomqvist kept her head down and cushioned a brilliant half-volley into the top corner.
But skipper Carmona ensured it would be La Roja heading through to Sunday’s showpiece,