Spain beat Netherlands in extra time to reach Women’s World Cup semifinals for the first time

A Spain became the first selection qualified for the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup this Thursday, with an overtime victory over Netherlands in the quarterfinals. The match was played at Sky Stadium, in Wellington, New Zealand, and the teams drew 1-1 in regulation time. The Spaniards scored in the second half of extra time and took the vacancy.

Now, Spain awaits the result of the confrontation between Japan and Sweden to know its opponent in search of a place in the grand final of the World Cup. The match will be at dawn this Friday at 4:30 am. It is the first time that the Spaniards have reached the semifinals. In the last edition, they fell in the round of 16.

The Dutch, in turn, say goodbye to the competition without being able to match their record in the last World Cup. In 2019, the Netherlands were runners-up, defeated by the United States in the final.

The step over. 🔥
The finish. 🧊@SalmaParalluelotake a bow! 👏#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/0d5zazjkAL

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023

The first goal of the game came from a penalty. In the 33rd minute of the second half, the ball hit Van der Gragt’s arm inside the area and, after checking the VAR, the referee saw a foul action on the move. On the kick, Caldentey firmly hit the foot of the left post and converted for Spain. In addition, at 45 minutes, the Dutch defender, who was the villain, received the back of the defense and finished cross, 1 to 1.

With the tie, the decision went into overtime. Both teams created good opportunities, but Spain took advantage first. Paraluello received a throw from the back of the defense and went out in front of the goal. The striker cleared the throw and hit hard in the right corner. The ball even hit the post before going in, 2-1 for the Spaniards.