Spain qualified to the Women World Cup semi-final with victory over Netherland

Spain progressed to the Women’s World Cup semifinals for the first time in history, defeating Holland 2-1 in extra time.

Earlier in the game, Holland was controversially denied a penalty after Spain’s Irene Paredes fouled forward Lineth Beerensteyn in the area.

The sixth-ranked La Roja, who had failed to go past the round of 16 in their last two World Cup campaigns, will meet either Japan or Sweden in the final on Tuesday in Auckland.

Mariona Caldentey scored Spain’s other goal in the 81st minute with a penalty kick after Dutch defender Stefanie Van der Gragt touched the ball inside the box.

Spain progressed to the Women's World Cup semifinals for the first time in history, defeating Holland 2-1

Spain qualified to the Women World Cup semi-final with victory over Netherland

Referee Stephanie Frappart overturned the yellow card handed to Paredes after checking VAR, and no penalty was assessed.

Spain would score their first goal of the night thanks to a hand ball in the box by Stefanie van der Gragt leading to a penalty converted by Mariona Caldentey.

Van der Gragt redeemed herself with a fantastic shot from distance to tie the match at 1-1.

Salma Paralluelo’s shot off the keeper’s left post and into the net in the second half of extra time broke the tie and gave Spain the victory.

However, Spain’s victory was marred by the controversy surrounding the penalty, with the internet divided on whether or not it was correct to reverse the referee’s initial decision.