Spain are off to their first Women's World Cup final after a 2-1 win over Sweden in Auckland on Tuesday, with a thrilling finish that saw all three goals scored in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Despite the stature of a World Cup semifinal, the first half played out in tepid fashion. Sweden played a high defensive line that challenged Spain, who were able to dominate in possession as usual, but could not create a ton of meaningful chances at goal as a result. Olga Carmona took the game's first shot in the 12th minute from distance, but the ball flew just wide of the goal. Sweden got forward pretty infrequently and only notched their first shot of the game in the 42nd minute through Fridolina Rolfo. The first half ended with just five shots, one on goal courtesy of Rolfo.

The second half slowly but surely opened up as both teams searched for a goal, with Sweden applying more pressure on Spain's defense and Spain racking up more shots. Both teams still struggled to create quality chances, but Spain finally took their first shot on target in the 81st minute and just so happened to score. Substitute Salma Paralluelo made a smart run into the center of the box and swiftly scored once the ball landed at her feet for her second goal in as many games.

Sweden charged at goal more fiercely than ever with their World Cup campaign on the line, and found the equalizer just seven minutes later through fellow substitute Rebecka Blomqvist. Lina Hurtig flicked the ball toward Blomqvist, who was in the center of the penalty area and scored with ease.

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That resurgence from Sweden was short lived, though. Teresa Abelleira took a short corner for Spain and sent it straight to Carmona, who took a shot on the edge of the penalty area and scored in the 89th minute.

Spain await the winner of England-Australia in the final in Sydney on Sunday, while the loser of the second semifinal will head to Brisbane to face Sweden, who will compete in the third-place match for the fifth time.

Source CBS sports

BDST: 2040 HRS, AUGUST 15, 2023
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