Extra-time winner gives Spain first semi-final spot
Salma Paralluelo scored deep in extra time to give Spain a 2-1 win over Netherlands on Friday and send the sixth-ranked nation into the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time. The teenager struck in the 111th minute of a tight clash between European heavyweights, seconds after the Netherlands' striker Lineth Beerensteyn spurned a glaring opportunity from just yards out. The 19-year-old made her break down the left side, pivoted momentarily and from a difficult angle sent the ball into the back of the neck for the winner. In doing so, she became the youngest Spaniard to score in a Women's World Cup. Netherlands defender Stefanie van der Gragt had turned from villain to hero in the last 10 minutes of regular time. She conceded a penalty for hand ball in the 80th minute which Mariona Caldentey converted to give Spain a 1-0 lead. Then in the 90th minute and pushed forward, she timed a run brilliantly from Victoria Pelova's through ball and added a polished finish to level the scores. Spain will wait to find out whether they face Japan or Sweden in the semi-finals. The match takes place later on Friday. (AP)