Teenager Salma Paralluelo hit an extra-time winner as Spain beat the Netherlands 2-1 at the Women’s World Cup on Friday to set up a semi-final clash with Japan or Sweden.
Over a tense 90 minutes in Wellington full of incident, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time 10 minutes later.
With the quarter-final seemingly headed for penalties, the 19-year-old substitute Paralluelo produced a brilliant solo finish in the 111th minute to put Spain into the last four for the first time.
They will now face Sweden or Japan in Auckland on Tuesday while the tournament is over for the Dutch, beaten finalists four years ago.
“It’s hard now,” said Van der Gragt, whose last game in football was an eventful one — conceding the penalty for handball, then equalising, before Paralluelo’s decisive, late intervention.
“We had the chance in extra time and we didn’t score, they had one chance and they scored. That’s football.”
James Harden is on the brink of another major career twist, with the NBA superstar…
The world of snooker is mourning the loss of one of its most recognisable and…
Lionel Messi could be set for a dream return to Newell’s Old Boys in 2027,…
Karim Benzema has caused a stir in the Saudi Pro League after completing a sensational…
Manchester United’s resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick continues to impress, with the Red Devils…
Chelsea’s Carabao Cup campaign came to a disappointing end as they were narrowly defeated by…