Spain clinched its first-ever semifinal berth at the Women’s World Cup thanks to an 111th-minute strike from Salma Paralluelo, eventually beating the Netherlands 2-1 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Spain settled into its trademark form early on against the Netherlands, dominating in possession while racking up passes and shots. The team nearly scored in the 17th minute when two successive shots hit the post but failed to pop into the back of the net, but continued to search for an opening goal as the half continued. Spain took 12 shots in total, though only three were on goal during the first 45 minutes. The Netherlands, by contrast, had a single shot during the first half, and it was off target.
The second half played out much like the first half, though Spain’s shot creation slowed. The Dutch nearly earned a reward in the 62nd minute when, in a rare move forward, Lineth Beerensteyn was shoved from behind in the box by Irene Paredes. Referee Stephanie Frappart initially awarded the Netherlands with a penalty and issued Paredes a yellow card, but took it back after a video review.
Just 15 minutes later, though, a penalty call went Spain’s way after a blatant handball from Stefanie van der Gragt. Mariona…
