Against all the odds, Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 in Auckland. They will play in their first-ever Fifa Women’s World Cup final.
The uncertain background of the management of the Spanish women’s team under coach Jorge Vilda has been a topic of discussion throughout the tournament. But the players have risen above that. They did the talking where it mattered most — on the pitch.
The new-look squad gave their all in Tuesday’s last-four clash with Sweden, but at full time there was still work to do.
Following 80 minutes without any goal-line celebrations, the final ten minutes gave all those at Eden Park something to cheer about.
In the cagey affair, Spain held on to the ball as much as they could with Sweden creating more opportunities.
The ball found its way into the back of the net and it was first blood to Spain – and it was their very first shot on target. Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo made it 1-0 to La Roja but then Sweden equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist.
Seconds before stoppage time Olga Carmona got the winner though, shattering Swedish dreams.
Sweden has now had four semi-final defeats in the competition and will face the loser of Australia and England in the third-place playoff, while the winner will take on Spain in the final on Sunday.
Pictured above: Salma Paralluelo
Image source: @FIFAWWC
