Spain 2-1 Netherlands: Paralluelo's extra-time strike the difference

Spain overcame a late rally to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 in extra-time and become the first nation to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Although Spain dominated the game from the outset, they were unable to convert their efforts into goals for much of the match.

That changed in the 78th minute when the retiring Stefanie van der Gragt gave up a penalty for a handball in the box.

Mariona Caldentey converted from the spot to bring Spain to the cusp of victory in Wellington.

However, a sudden wide run found van der Gragt in space as the clock ticked over into added time.

In almost poetic fashion, the veteran squared up and fired a rocket past Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll to keep the Netherlands’ hopes alive.

The Dutch looked a different team in extra-time as they suddenly had the better of the attacking chances.

Lineth Beerensteyn had multiple opportunities to put the Netherlands in front but was unable to find the back of the net.

Momentum continued to swing between the two sides until Salma Paralluelo’s breakthrough in the 110th minute ultimately sealed the victory for Spain.

The result sets up a semi-final clash between Spain and the winner of Japan and Sweden.

Spain exploded out of the blocks in the first half, missing two wide-open chances within the opening five minutes.

Despite some fleeting touches in their defensive half, Spain’s dominance continued and looked to have paid off when Alba Redondo headed an attempt towards Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

But van Domselaar was up to the task, her outstretched fingers pushing the ball towards the right post.

Redondo had an immediate attempt to convert when the ball rebounded straight to her feet, but her strike hit the same post and reflected out.

Both sides then exchanged attacking opportunities, with Spain appearing to finally have their dominance rewarded when a close-range strike from Esther Gonzalez found the back of the net.

However, VAR ruled her to be just offside.

The Netherlands were under pressure for the rest of the first half, with the efforts of van Domselaar in-goal largely contributing to the Dutch holding on for 0-0 at the break.