Spain’s women’s soccer team has reached a World Cup final for the first time in its history.
Jorge Bilda’s Spain Women’s National Team defeated Sweden 2-1 in the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023 at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday at 5 p.m. ET, thanks to a 44th-minute goal.바카라사이트
This marks Spain’s third appearance in the finals of the tournament since their first appearance in Canada in 2015.
While Spain’s men’s soccer team is known for being a global powerhouse, the Spanish women’s team has been far from stellar. They have a short history of World Cup appearances and were knocked out in the group stage in Canada in 2015. In 2019, they only made it to the round of 16 in France.
The road to this tournament hasn’t been smooth either. Spain, who were in Group C at the World Cup, faced Japan in their first match of the tournament and were outclassed 0-4. It was a nightmare reminiscent of their group stage exit eight years ago. However, Spain regrouped and defeated both Zambia and Costa Rica in their group, finishing with a 2-1 record (6 points) and advancing to the knockout rounds.
Keeping the momentum going, Spain defeated Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, they defeated the Netherlands 2-1.
In the semifinals, they took out the biggest dark horse of the tournament, Sweden. With the score tied at 0-0 for most of the game, both teams unleashed a flurry of goals in the final 10 minutes. Spain struck first. In the 36th minute, Selma Faralluelo rattled the net with a quick right-footed shot after a penalty box scramble.
But the Swedes were not done fighting back. In the 43rd minute, Rebecca Blomkvist scored the equalizer with a direct shot from a loose ball.
Spain and Sweden in action during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match on Friday. /AFPBBNews=News1
Spain vs Sweden during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match on Friday. Spain fullback Olga Carmona (left) arrives before the match. /AFPBBNews=News1
The 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match between Spain (in red) and Sweden on Friday. /AFPBBNews=News1
It was Spain who had the last laugh. They scored a minute after conceding. From a corner kick in the 44th minute, Spanish fullback Olga Carmona unleashed a fantastic left-footed mid-range shot. It bounced off the crossbar and into the back of the net for the winning goal. The Spanish players, including Carmona, roared.
Spain managed to hold off the opposition until the final whistle to secure a one-point victory.
Spain (in red) and Sweden during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match on Friday. /AFPBBNews=News1
The Women’s World Cup 2023 Australia-New Zealand semifinal match between Spain and Sweden on Friday. Spain midfielder Atiana Bonmati shows her disappointment. /AFPBBNews=News1
The 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match between Spain and Sweden in Auckland on Friday. Spain’s free-kick opportunity. /AFPBBNews=News1
European soccer statistics site Fourscore.com has given Spain’s “commander in chief” Teresa Abelar a 7.9 rating. Not only did she set up Carmona’s goal, but she also led the team with two dribbles, four tackles and two interceptions. Carmona’s assist on the winning goal earned him a 7.8 rating.
On the day, Spain held a 13-6 edge in shots and a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal. They struggled with a lack of finishing, but a late surge in concentration helped them score back-to-back goals.
Spain vs. Sweden in the semifinal match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand on Friday. Spain’s Selma Faralluelo celebrates after scoring the opening goal. /AFPBBNews=News1
The Women’s World Cup 2023 Australia-New Zealand semifinal match between Spain and Sweden in Auckland on Friday. Spain’s Selma Faralluelo, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal. /AFPBBNews=News1
The 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match between Spain and Sweden on Friday. Spain’s players celebrate the winning goal by Spain fullback Olga Carmona, center, in the 44th minute of the second half. She scored the winning goal. /AFPBBNews=News1
The ‘Nordic powerhouse’ Sweden, who finished third in the previous tournament in France, once again failed to reach the final. They were held back by a Spanish surge.
The Spaniards will face the winner of the other semifinal, Australia-England, for the title. The final will be played on Tuesday. Sweden will play the third- and fourth-place matches on the 19th.
Spain and Sweden in action during the Australia-New Zealand Women’s World Cup 2023 semifinal match on Friday. A Swedish player reacts after missing out on the final. /AFPBBNews=News1
The Australia-New Zealand Women’s World Cup 2023 semifinal match between Spain and Sweden in Auckland on Friday. The Spanish team celebrates their goal. /AFPBBNews=news1
Spain and Sweden during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand semifinal match in Auckland on Friday. The Spanish team celebrates after reaching the final. /AFPBBNews=News1