Fifa Women’s World Cup: Spain strike late again to crush Sweden’s dreams and book spot in final
- Late drama sees Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist equalise in the 88th minute, with Spain’s Olga Carmona scoring winner just one minute later
- Spain await winner of second semi-final on Wednesday between Australia and England
Olga Carmona struck late to lift Spain to a thrilling 2-1 semi-final win over Sweden on Tuesday, sending the Iberians into a first Women’s World Cup final as the tournament signed off in New Zealand with a flurry of goals.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Carmona’s 90th-minute strike from the edge of the area pinged off the crossbar and into the net two minutes after Rebecka Blomqvist had levelled the match for Sweden in front of a baying crowd of 43,217 at Eden Park.
Teenager Salma Paralluelo, Spain’s quarter-final hero against the Netherlands, produced magic off the bench again, putting her side in front in the 81st minute and breathing life into what had been a slow-burning, cagey affair.
Less than a year after a player revolt against coach Jorge Vilda tore the squad apart, ‘La Roja’ will have the chance to lift the trophy in Sydney on Sunday when they face co-hosts Australia or England in the decider.
“We’re extremely happy. If you go to the dressing room now, it’s incredible how they’re celebrating,” Vilda said. “We have the final in front of us, we’re going to Sydney tomorrow and we want to win.”
Peter Gerhardsson’s Sweden bow out after another defeat at the penultimate hurdle, having made the semi-finals in France four years ago and at last year’s European Championship.