Spain defeat Sweden to reach first WWC final

Spain’s La Roja have qualified for the Women’s World Cup final for the first time ever.

Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 on Tuesday to inch closer to winning the tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The match was a slow burner until it served up fireworks at the tail end.

Salma Paralluelo was brought on for Alexia Putellas, and a few minutes later, the 19-year-old cracked open the game, which had been deadlocked for over 80 minutes.

Jenny Hermoso’s cross into the Sweden goal area was not effectively cleared, and the ball fell for Paralluelo, who stroked a shot past Zećira Mušović.

The teenager has been influential from the bench for the Spanish team in the tournament. She had been the deciding factor in their quarter-final win over the Netherlands a few days ago.

However, Paralluelo would not have the last laugh as the Swedish equalised two minutes from time. Rebecka Blomqvist dragged the Scandinavian level.

A late twist in the tale had Olga Carmona wrap the victory for the Spaniard just 93 seconds later. Carmona struck a ferocious shot that slammed into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Sweden have now lost back-to-back World Cup semi-finals.

Spain will play the winner of the clash between England and Australia in the final on Sunday.

Photo credit: FIFAWWC/X