World Cup: Spain and Sweden advance to the semi-finals

Spain are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup. The 2-1 win over the Netherlands was decided in extra time. Afterwards, Sweden also made it to the round of the best four with a 2-1 win over Japan.

Spain reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Oceania. The match against the Netherlands was decided in extra time. Salma Paralluelo scored the winning goal to win 2:1.

The semi-final will be against Sweden, who beat Japan 2-1.

The match in Wellington was marked by an exciting final phase. Spain took a 1-0 lead in the 81st minute when Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty kick. The Dutch equalised in injury time, Stefanie van der Gragt making it 1-1.

Before half-time, the Spaniards had good opportunities to score and twice fell just short of the lead. The Dutch were helped by the goalposts on both occasions.

Sweden beat Japan
This is Spain’s first semi-final appearance. They will play against Sweden. The Scandinavians beat Japan 2-1 in Auckland. Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldahl scored for Sweden. Japan’s Honoka Hayashi scored the equaliser in the 87th minute, but it was too late.

The second semi-final will be decided in Australia-France and England-Colombia (both this Saturday).