Real Madrid’s Carmona fires Spain into first FIFA Women’s World Cup final | OneFootball

Spain are into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 final after recording a 2-1 victory over Sweden at Auckland’s Eden Park this morning.

The Spaniards scored twice in a dramatic final 10 minutes to secure a spot in their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

There were few chances for either team in the first half. Spain were unable to capitalise from their dominant possession, but went closest from Olga Carmona’s long range efforts which flew wide. Sweden’s only chance of the half fell just before half-time, when Fridolina Rolfö’s side-footed volley at the far post produced a low diving save from Barcelona teammate Cata Coll.

Spain’s fortunes changed after the break. The introduction of Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo with just over half an hour to go brought new danger to their attacking play. The teenager’s extra-time goal against The Netherlands in the previous round had secured this semi-final meeting with Sweden, and her attacking threat in this game was immediately apparent. With 10 minutes remaining, Paralluelo’s right-footed shot from 12 yards beat Chelsea’s Zećira Mušović to put the Spaniards in front.

Sweden levelled within seven minutes when Arsenal’s Lina Hurtig headed the ball into Rebecka Blomqvist’s path, whose volley sailed into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Spain responded immediately and regained their lead just two minutes later. Carmona’s long-range effort caught Mušović off her line and the ball flew in off the under-side of the crossbar, sending the Spaniards into wild celebrations on the touchline. In a tense seven minutes of added time, Sweden were unable to find another equaliser.

Spain will face either Australia or England in Sunday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 final in Sydney.