Spain has booked a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history after beating Netherlands in extra time.
The match between the two giants who checked in at no. 2 and no. 3 on the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking took place in Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Spain dominated the game from the sound of the whistle and in the 17th minute, they had hit the post twice.
Esther Gonzalez got off a blazing shot for Spain in the 22nd minute, but it was denied by the Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar.
In the 38th minute, Esther Gonzalez tried again and this time, she got the ball in the back of the net, but it was denied for offside.
She tried again seconds into the second half but the Dutch goalie denied her once more. In the 81 minute, Spain got a penalty opportunity and Maria Francisca Caldentey Oliver then knocked in the penalty kick off the left post, giving Spain a 1-0 lead.
Just a minute after stoppage time, when Spain seemed like they had the game, Stefanie Van der Gragt got away from the crowd to send the ball away from Van Domselaar and into the back of the net. The game moved into extra time.
In the 111th minute, Salma Paralluelo’s goal was enough to send the 2019 finalists home.
Spain would face Sweden in the first semi-final fixture of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
