Women's World Cup 2023 - Spain and Sweden set up enthralling semi-final encounter

Spain and Sweden will face off in the first semi-final of the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday as both sides ground out 2-1 wins.

Teenager Salma Paralluelo was the hero for Spain as she netted an extra-time winner to help her side past the Netherlands after an enthralling 90 minutes that saw little split the sides.

It was slightly more straightforward for Sweden, who established a commanding 2-0 lead against Japan before holding out despite a late onslaught from the Nadeshiko.

Sweden’s victory also ensures there will be a new name on the honours list, with Japan the last former champions to be knocked out of the tournament after the USA, Germany, and Norway all made early exits.

La Roja reach new heights

The talent on offer to Spain has been clear to see for many years, but a first Women’s World Cup semi-final has had to wait until now.

La Roja gave England a run for their money in the quarter-finals of the Euros a year ago before Georgia Stanway slammed home a stunning extra-time winner, but there would be no last-eight heartbreak this time around.

Instead, it was the Netherlands who were feeling the pain as Barcelona winger Paralluelo raced onto Jennifer Hermoso’s through-ball before slotting past new Aston Villa stopper Daphne van Domselaar with just nine minutes remaining of the additional 30 minutes.

Spain looked to have the tie wrapped up in regular time when Mariona Caldentey slotted home from the spot in the 81st minute after Stefanie van der Gragt was penalised for handball.

But the Dutch centre-back turned from villain to hero as she produced a striker’s finish to level the game in injury time after being played in by Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova.

This gruelling battle had to have a conclusion, and it was