Salma Paralluelo scored deep in extra time to give Spain a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and a spot in the Women’s World Cup semifinals for the first time. The 19-year-old forward struck in the 111th minute of an epic quarterfinal match between European soccer heavyweights. She made her break down the left, pivoted momentarily and launched a left-foot shot into the back of the net for an historic match-winner.
Sweden bounced Japan to snag a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup. The Swedes, the World Cup runners-up in 2003 and three-time third-place finisher, are now considered by many to be the favorite to win the tournament.. They eliminated Japan 2-1 in Friday’s quarterfinal to join newcomer Spain in the final four. Sweden will face Spain in a semifinal match on Tuesday in Auckland.
