The Spaniards are in the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time after the drama with the Netherlands

< /p> FIFA Women's World Cup – Quarter-Finals: Spain v Netherlands, 11 August 2023, Wellington. The players of Spain are rejoicing in the victory.

Wellington – Spain's women's soccer team reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time after a 2-1 extra-time victory over the Netherlands. Nineteen-year-old Salma Paralluelová scored the winning goal in the 111th minute after a quick counterattack. The Spaniards will play the best of today's quarter-finals between the defending bronze medalists Sweden and Japan to advance to the final.

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The Spanish players had the upper hand from the start against the reigning vice-champions of the world, the Netherlands. Their first goal in the 37th minute was disallowed by the video referee due to offside, and it was only in the 81st minute that they moved on with a goalless score. Mariona Caldentey converted the penalty at the hands of captain Stefania van der Gragt.

In regulation time, however, Van der Gragt made up for the mistake and sent the match to overtime after an accurate shot to the far post. “We didn't stop believing. The match brought a lot of emotional decisions and the goal from Salma was pure joy,” said coach Jorge Vilda.

Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – quarter-finals: