Spain advance to semi-finals with 2-1 extra-time win over Netherlands
Ivana Andres of Spain, attends a press conference at Wellington Regional Stadium Credit: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Spain secured their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 in a closely contested match that required extra-time.
The match witnessed Spain controlling the play for majority of normal time. They could have been ahead much earlier if not for their missed chances and an impressive performance from Dutch goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar.
Van Domselaar made an exceptional save, deflecting Alba Redondo's header onto the post, only for Redondo to strike the rebound against the same post moments later.
VAR had a significant role in the fixture. Esther Gonzalez's goal for Spain was disallowed after review, and two penalties – one for each side – were both reviewed and decided upon using the technology.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 81st minute when Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty resulting from a handball by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
However, the drama wasn't over. Van der Gragt, who had conceded the penalty, emerged as the hero for the Netherlands in injury time, scoring an equalizer and forcing the game into extra-time.
But Spain's resilience shone through when Salma Paralluelo netted the decisive goal in the 111th minute.
In a noteworthy stat, van der Gragt’s goal marked the 147th of the tournament, setting a new Women's World Cup record, surpassing the previous total of 146 from both Canada 2015 and France 2019.
Post-match, Spain's coach, Jorge Vilda, stated, "You always dream of a moment like this. We're among the four best in the world, but we're not going to stop. Today, yes, celebrate, but tomorrow we will prepare for the semi-finals because we want to be in the final."
Andries Jonker, the coach for the Netherlands, remarked, "Spain put us under a lot of pressure, but we fought. I am very disappointed we did not get to the semi-finals, but incredibly proud of my team. We want to be better. We want to be the best."
