Spain going for unprecedented Women’s World Cup hat-trick after semi-final win over Sweden
Salma Palalluelo scored La Roja’s opening goal and will play in a second World Cup final inside a year against Australia or England.
Spain made history against Sweden on Tuesday, with goals from Salma Parelluelo and Olga Carmona either side of a Rebecka Blomqvist effort sending La Roja to their first Women’s World Cup final after an enthralling finish in Auckland. Hosts Australia and European champions England face off in the second semi-final at Stadium Australia in Sydney, which will also host the final on Sunday 20 August.
While few had expected Jorge Vilda’s side to go so well in this particular tournament, especially given the turmoil within the Spain camp in recent months, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise if we see them challenging for honours in future editions.
✅ Goal in the Quarter-Final.
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 15, 2023
✅ Goal in the Semi-Final.@AitanaBonmati will cherish @SalmaParalluelo's boots forever!@SEFutbolFem | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/4LIpvduU1q
Spain current U-20 and U-17 World Cup holders
In a few days’ time, the Spaniards will bid to complete a unique hat-trick in world soccer than would see them hold all three of FIFA Women’s World Cups, including the U-20 and U-17 trophies, simultaneously. A feat which has never been achieved before.
Salma Paralluelo: already a double World Cup winner
In August 2022, Paralluelo starred in the final of the U-20 tournament in Costa Rica, scoring twice as Spain defeated Japan 3-1 in the final in San Jose. La Roja won every match apart from one, a goalless draw against Brazil in their opening match.
💪🏻 Lo que hemos peleado cada minuto de cada partido para poder hacernos 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔 𝗙𝗢𝗧𝗢 no lo sabe nadie...
— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) August 15, 2023
🥹 ¡¡Esto es muy emocionante, equipo!! #JugarLucharYGanar I #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/zzQEc8OS9X
Is Mariona Spain's deadliest player?
And Spain have also won the last two editions of the U-17 competition. In 2018, a team which also included Paralluelo, as well as current senior roster member Eva Navarro, beat Mexico in Uruguay to win the country’s first ever international trophy. Four years later, La Roja defended their title, winning a series of tight games in India, including a narrow victory in the final over Linda Caicedo’s Colombia.
Can they complete an unprecedented treble in Sydney on Sunday?