Spain edges past the Netherlands to reach first ever Women’s World Cup semifinals

By Matias Grez, CNN

(CNN) — Spain edged past the Netherlands after extra time in a 2-1 win on Friday in Wellington, New Zealand to reach its first Women’s World Cup semifinals.

Mariona Caldentey’s penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball decision looked to have won the match for Spain with just nine minutes remaining, but Stefanie van der Gragt – whose handball had gifted La Roja its penalty – drilled home a brilliant effort in the first minute of added time.

In a tense period of extra time, teenage substitute Salma Paralluelo struck the winner after 111 minutes with a left-footed effort off the inside of the far post to make history for Spain.

Spain will play Sweden in the semifinals after the Swedes beat Japan 2-1 in the day’s other quarterfinal match.

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