Spain edges past the Netherlands to reach first ever Women’s World Cup semifinals

Spain’s forward #08 Mariona Caldentey celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the Women’s World Cup quarterfinal football match against tthe Netherlands at Wellington Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images CNN  — 

Spain edged past the Netherlands after extra time in a 2-1 win on Friday at the Wellington Stadium to reach its first ever Women’s World Cup semifinals.

Mariona Caldentey’s penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball decision looked to have won the match for Spain with just nine minutes remaining, but Stefanie van der Gragt – whose handball had gifted La Roja its penalty – drilled home a brilliant effort in the first minute of added time.

In a tense period of extra time, teenage substitute Salma Paralluelo struck the winner after 111 minutes with a left-footed effort off the inside of the far post to make history for Spain.
Japan and Sweden play later on Friday in the 2023 tournament’s second quarterfinal.
More to follow.