Spain, Sweden into FIFA Women's World Cup semis

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Spain and Sweden on Friday qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals.

Spanish women beat the Netherlands 2-1 after extra time in a quarterfinal match in New Zealand's capital Wellington.

After a handball, Spain's Mariona Caldentey scored the opener from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.

The Netherlands leveled in the injury time as defender Stefanie van der Gragt scored after a through ball.

In the 111th minute, Spanish forward Salma Paralluelo scored a solo-effort goal on a counterattack to take her nation to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Sweden won against Japan 2-1 in another quarterfinal match in New Zealand's Auckland.

Swedish players Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldal were the scorers for their nation.

Near the end of the match, Japan's Honoka Hayashi scored for her team, but Sweden bagged the ticket for the semifinal after a narrow win.

On Aug. 15, Spain will face Sweden in Auckland.

In the last eight, Australia will take on France, while England will play against Colombia on Saturday.

The Women's World Cup will end with the final match on Aug. 20.