CNN —Spain created more history at the Women’s World Cup, shocking favorite Sweden to reach the final for the first time thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win in Auckland, New Zealand.
Competing at just its third World Cup, Spain is now within a game of winning the sport’s biggest prize having never before progressed beyond the round of 16.
Sweden may have had the pedigree – only the US has appeared in more World Cup semifinals – but Spain had the creativity and the stardust.
“To the final!” Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, while Spain’s men’s World Cup winner Andrés Iniesta called the players “giants.”Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas wrote on social media: “Bravo!!!
With the opening goal, Paralluelo – who had scored the extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals – became the second-youngest player to score in a Women’s World Cup semifinal and also sparked a dull contest into life.
Persons:
Salma Paralluelo, Rebecka, Olga Carmona, Paralluelo, we’ve, “ We’ve, La Roja, Hagen Hopkins, “, Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s, Andrés Iniesta, Antonio Banderas, Phil Walter, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas, Putellas, Carmona, Aitana Bonmati, wasn’t, Alba, Fridolina Rolfö, Cata Coll, Paralluelo –, –, Blomqvist’s, de grâce
Organizations:
CNN, La, Sweden, Getty, Twitter, Spanish, Alba Redondo
Locations:
Spain, Sweden, Auckland , New Zealand, Australia, England, Sunday’s, Netherlands