Thrilling Victory: Salma Paralluelo's Extra-Time Heroics Propel Spain into Women's World Cup Semi-Finals
Spain stun the Netherlands in a thrilling Women's World Cup quarter-final, securing a 2-1 victory in extra time with an incredible goal from Salma Paralluelo
In a thrilling manner, Spain advanced to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup with a sensational goal from Salma Paralluelo, securing a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in extra time.
Adding to the excitement, there was an unexpected turn of events before the match commenced when a 5.0 magnitude earthquake rattled Wellington. However, despite the unsettling circumstances, the match proceeded as planned in the New Zealand city, with both teams braving the tremors in preparation for kick-off.
And then regular time brought some VAR drama as a penalty awarded to the Netherlands in the second half, following a push by Irene Paredes on Lineth Beerensteyn, was overturned after a review using video technology.
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Paralluelo scored a stunning extra-time winner
Despite having a potential 1-0 advantage, the tables turned on the 81st minute when Mariona Caldente successfully converted a penalty kick for Spain, capitalizing on the discovery of defender Stefanie van der Gragt's hand touching the ball near the edge of the area.
However, in a thrilling turn of events, Van der Gragt redeemed herself during stoppage time by skillfully breaking free on Victoria Pelova's pass and calmly delivering a decisive strike that eluded the Spanish goalkeeper.
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Stefanie Van der Gragt of the Netherlands scored the equalizer, leading the game into extra time. In the additional period, Dutch forward Lineth Beerensteyn had two opportunities, one of which went wide and the other over the bar. However, it was Spain who advanced, thanks to Paralluelo's late goal in the second added period.
Netherlands boss: VAR didn't do its job properly
Despite positioning themselves well to reach the final again after the United States' exit in the round of 16, the Netherlands was ultimately beaten 2-0 by the United States in the final of the 2019 World Cup. However, their hopes of securing another title were dashed.
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Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker was furious with VAR
Netherlands manager Andries Joncker:
The VAR didn't fulfill their duty correctly with regards to the Netherlands' second-half penalty being revoked, however, Spain rightfully earned the victory. The issue lies solely in the incorrectness of this particular decision.
What matters most is that we, being the Netherlands, possess the ability to play football skillfully and triumph over Spain.
We have made our best efforts to hide our weaknesses and demonstrate our strengths. However, there is only one solution: to move forward, to possess the ball, maintain control, and lead the game. The first step we took was excellent. Throughout this tournament, we displayed moments of brilliance, as well as some shortcomings.
We were certain of reaching the semi-finals and progressing to the finals. Unfortunately, we fell short. Nevertheless, we are extremely proud of this team and our staff. Despite the disappointment, we have managed to regain recognition within just a year. While this outcome is difficult to accept, we have once again established our presence.
Spain boss: The real earthquake is Spain winning!
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Spain's Mariona Caldentey put Spain ahead from the penalty spot
Spain manager Jorge Vilda:
"We were so concentrated [before kick-off]. Yes, it was a middle [moderate] shake, an earthquake, but not today. The earthquake was the victory of Spain.
It is an exceptional day for women's football in Spain. We have achieved a level of success that we have never attained before, and we have accomplished it through exceptional gameplay. Our team firmly believes that we can continue to surpass our achievements.
Every player exhibited an extraordinary level of skill, and the match itself was filled with intense emotions. The sheer exhilaration was palpable when Salma scored the goal.
She aided us in accomplishing our goals and provided the assistance we needed. Our intention was to give our central defenders a break, and in the second half, Salma was intended to be a substitute alongside other fast wingers.
Salma possesses an immense amount of potential and has yet to reach her peak.
What's next?
Spain will play either Japan or Sweden in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup. The match will be played on Tuesday August 15 at 9am.
What is the schedule?
The round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, setting the stage for the upcoming quarter-finals. These matches are scheduled to take place in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney on August 11 and 12.Following the quarter-finals, the first semi-final is slated for August 15 in Auckland, while the second semi-final will be held on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The grand finale will then be hosted by Sydney on August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
