Carmona fires Spain into World Cup remaining with 2-1 win over Sweden

Olga Carmona struck late to elevate Spain to an exciting 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday and ship the Iberians into a primary Women’s World Cup remaining.

Wearing the captain’s armband, Carmona’s Ninetieth-minute strike from the sting of the world pinged off the crossbar and into the online two minutes after Rebecka Blomqvist had levelled the match for Sweden in entrance of a baying crowd of 43,217 at Eden Park.

Salma Paralluelo, the quarter-final hero towards the Netherlands, put Spain within the lead with the opening purpose within the 81st minute, respiratory life into what had been a slow-burning, cagey affair.

Less than a 12 months after a participant revolt tore the squad aside, ‘La Roja’ may have the prospect to elevate the trophy on Sunday after they face co-hosts Australia or England within the decider.

Sweden bow out after one other defeat on the penultimate hurdle, having made the semi-finals in France 4 years in the past and in addition the final 4 eventually 12 months’s European Championship.

In a match-up of Iberian attacking aptitude and Swedish defensive resilience, Spain had been the livelier aspect early however had little to indicate for his or her possession and vigour.

Full again Carmona blazed simply vast with a low, long-range effort within the 14th minute and midfield dynamo Aitana Bonmati thrashed a wild shot by the identical proper put up from the sting of the world.

Sweden barely wavered in defence, although, and completed the half-ascendant with a typical salvo of set-piece stress.

A couple of minutes from the break, Spain had been dealt a fright as Nathalie Bjorn chested the ball down and crossed to an unmarked Fridolina Rolfo within the space.

But the Sweden winger’s volley was properly coated by keeper Cata Coll.

Sweden stored up the warmth and Jorge Vilda went to his bench early, changing Alexia Putellas with Paralluelo, who had scored the winner towards the Dutch within the quarter-final.

Paralluelo nearly helped break the impasse within the seventieth minute when she stored the ball alive with a cut-back cross to Alba Redondo in shut.

Slumped on the turf, Redondo swung a leg out however may solely put her shot into the aspect netting.

Eleven minutes later Paralluelo pounced once more on a poor clearance, slamming the ball into the fitting nook to ship Spanish followers into delirium.

It appeared throughout for Sweden as regulation time dwindled however Lina Hurtig headed right down to an unmarked Blomqvist, who thrashed the ball in.

But Carmona broke the impasse in a late twist, her fierce strike tipped onto the underside of the bar by keeper Zecira Musovic earlier than bouncing down over the road, guaranteeing Spain create extra historical past at their breakout World Cup.