It is definitely not good to be favorites in this 2023 Women’s World Cup. After the United States, Brazil, Germany and Canada, it is the turn of the Netherlands to find themselves on the mat. The Dutch, reigning vice-world champions, fell on Friday in Wellington (New Zealand), against Spain, an emerging nation of women’s football.
La Roja won 2-1 to earn a ticket to the semi-finals. The Spaniards, one of the youngest selections in the competition, struck first through Caldentey, on a penalty. Van der Gragt (106 caps), who was playing her last competition as a player at 30, equalized in added time (90th 1). The Spaniards then avoided the Dutch hold-up thanks to a goal in extra time (112th) from Salma Paralluelo, 19, the FC Barcelona striker.
Spain will meet Sweden next Tuesday, victorious over Japan 2-1, this Friday in Auckland. The Scandinavians scored through Amanda Ilestedt (32nd) and Filippa Angeldahl (51st from the penalty spot), before the Japanese score was reduced by Honoka Hayashi (87th).
