Spain, on Tuesday, defeated Sweden 2-1 to advance to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Spain will now play either Australia or England in the final slated for Sunday, August 20.

For 81 minutes, the game was a largely careful affair, with neither side giving away many huge chances as a spot in Sunday’s showpiece final lay before them.

But a frantic final 15 minutes was sparked as 19-year-old substitute, Salma Paralluelo, in the 81st minute, turned home.

This was matched soon after another substitute, Rebecka Blomqvist, in the 88th minute, curled in a fine effort to level for Sweden.

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But Spain wasted no time in retaking the lead, doing so through captain Olga Carmona.

Having seen a couple of efforts wasted in the first half, she sent a stunning effort past Zecira Muosvic from range, ultimately sending La Roja into their first major tournament final.

It is another heart-breaking near miss for Sweden. They were knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup and Euro 2022, as well as finishing as runners-up at the 2020 Olympics. They will now play in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

The second semi-final between Australia and England holds on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will then host the final on August 20.

A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.

The Star