Salma Paralluelo pushes Spain to the World Cup finals

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In the quarterfinals against the Netherlands, Barcelona Femeni forward Salma Paralluelo came up clutch in extra time after coming on as a substitute and scoring the match winner with a beautiful finish. The goal ensured that Spain would play in the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Today, against Sweden, in similar fashion, coming on as a substitute for Alexia Putellas in the 57th minute, the teenage sensation scored Spain’s opener in the 81st minute with a beautiful right footed half volley. After replacing her captain at club level, the teenager proved herself to be a constant attacking threat, with her pace and physicality making it difficult for the Sweden defense to contain her. She got on the end of long balls and won some battles for loose balls in the box, one of which almost got Alba Redondo a goal.

However, the youngster took matters into her own hands in the 81st minute when the Sweden backline failed to deal with a cross from Jennifer Hermoso. The loose ball fell to the 19 year-old, who took a first time shot with her right foot and sent the ball past Sweden’s goalkeeper, nearly in the same spot she placed her shot against the Netherlands.

Although, Sweden equalized via Rebecka Blomqvist, Spanish left back, Olga Carmona put Spain back ahead with a well executed strike from the edge of the box, putting Spain back in the lead.

The introduction of Salma Paralluelo into the game has quite clearly proven to be the winning formula for Spain at the World Cup. The youngster started all the group stage games and failed to register a goal, but has now scored two important goals since the manager’s decision to bring her on as a substitute in the quarterfinals.

She won the Player of the Match award again against Sweden, just like she did in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands. A well deserved award considering her performances in both games.

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If Spain go all the way and lift the World Cup trophy, Salma Paralluelo would be a serial World Cup winner, as she won the U17 World Cup in 2018 and the U20 World Cup in 2022. And now possibly the World Cup in 2023 with the senior team. 

Spain would play in the World Cup final against the winner of the second semifinal match between Australia and England.

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