Spain book place in Women's World Cup final

Victory over Sweden in the semi-finals was secured in dramatic fashion with a late winner from Real Madrid winger Olga Carmona. It already looked as though Spain had done enough when Salma Paralluelo broke the deadlock in the 81st minute – the teenage forward was already a national hero from the quarter-finals when she scored in extra-time against the Netherlands.

But Rebecka Blomqvist equalised for Sweden soon after and it seemed as though there would be another half hour to play in order to separate the two teams with contrasting styles.

Barely any sooner after the tie restarted after the Swedish goal, Carmona won it in style.

LA ROJA ARE FIRST-TIME FINALISTS 🇪🇸

Rewatch Spain advance to the FIFA Women's World Cup Final for the first time ever in our 90' in 90" ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/l5wWFJOcku

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 15, 2023

All three goals were exceptional finishes of the highest quality, with Paralluelo and Blomqvist each exhibiting composure and perfect technique to guide their efforts into the net. Carmona’s was a more spectacular shot from outside the box, ricocheting off the underside of the bar.

Even before the semi-finals had kicked off, there was guaranteed to be a brand country lifting the World Cup trophy. Japan were the last of the former champions to be knocked out, losing to Sweden in the previous round and following the same way as the United States, Norway and Germany.

But Spain’s victory means there is not only a guaranteed new champion, but also two brand new finalists. Sweden were the only one of the four semi-finalists who had previously reached the final, doing so in 2003 when they lost to Germany. Now they will compete for third/fourth place again.

Australia and England will compete for the other final place on Wednesday.