BREAKING: Olga #Carmona Shines As #Spain Defeat #Sweden To Qualify For First #FIFAWWC Final—Spain are into their first-ever Women’s World Cup final after Olga Carmona’s late winner saw them edge past Sweden.
Chances had been few and far between at Eden Park but that all changed in the final ten minutes, as first Salma Paralluelo looked to have given Spain the decisive goal. Back came Sweden as Rebecka Blomqvist equalised two minutes from time, only for Carmona to strike.
Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park on August 15, 2023 in Auckland.
An incredible denouement saw three goals in the final 10 minutes as Spain won through to the Women’s World Cup final and a match against England or Australia on Sunday.
Teenager Salma Paralluelo seemed to have settled a disappointing match when she put Spain ahead in the 81st minute, but Rebecka Blomqvist found a brilliant equaliser, only for Olga Carmona to restore an advantage that proved decisive.
The first half unfolded in the expected manner, Spain dominating the ball and probing a disciplined and well-organised Swedish defence.
As such, both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, Carmona shooting just wide and Fridolina Rolfo’s shot – saved by Cata Coll – the closest each side came to breaking the deadlock.
After the break, things got more tense and scrappier, neither side able to fashion goalscoring opportunities nor exert pressure.
Alba Redondo might have put Spain in front after 70 minutes, but couldn’t convert her effort while prostrate.
However, Paralluelo – on as a substitute – was dangerous from the minute she arrived, her touch and pace bothering the Swedish defence, and when the ball fell to her in the box, her finish was unerring and her celebration wild.
Spain did not play especially well today, more or less shut down by Sweden’s disciplined and physical approach. Their possession game was still slick at points, but they lacked edge around the box and also pace in behind, none of their attackers inclined to gamble.
Until, that is, Salma Paralluelo entered the fray. Immediately, she turned the Swedish defence, a fine touch backed by searing pace changing the tenor of the game, and her opening goal was supremely taken, a difficult finish made to look easy and natural – under pressure.
Consequently, Jorge Vida has a decision to make. Paralluelo must surely start the final, but Jenni Hermoso improved when played behind her, sending over the cross that led to her side’s first goal and generally playing well enough to cement her spot too. So Vida must find someone to leave out and, though she remains the double Bar,on d’Or winner, perhaps it will be instead of Alexia Putellas who, one gorgeous nutmeg aside, struggled to affect the game as she continues her comeback from injury.
