Spain secured their place in a first FIFA Women’s World Cup final after battling to a 2-1 win over Sweden following a thrilling finish to the semi-final at Eden Park in Auckland.
Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute following a pulsating conclusion to the game which saw Sweden substitute Rebecka Blomqvist cancel out Salma Paralluelo’s goal.
Sweden had the best chance of the first half three minutes before half-time when Nathalie Bjorn lofted a cross to the far post but Fridolina Rolfo’s side-foot shot was pushed away by Cata Coll.
The second half was similarly cagey before Spain carved out an opening with 20 minutes ago when substitute Paralluelo kept the ball alive but Alba Redondo was unable to steer her shot inside the post.
Spain edged in front with nine minutes to go when Jenni Hermoso’s cross bounced back off Jonna Andersson and Paralluelo swept the ball home.
Sweden levelled with two minutes to go when Lina Hurtig directed a high cross to fellow substitute Rebecka Blomqvist, who steered a fine finish beyond Coll.
But Spain were back in front moments later when a corner was rolled to the edge of the penalty area to Carmona and the captain’s shot crashed in off the underside of the crossbar, with Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic only getting fingertips to the ball.
Spain will now face Australia or England in the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday.
CAF Champions League
Simba lose to Al Ahly at home in first leg Quarter-final
CAF Champions League
CAF Announce dates CAF CL and CC Finals
