![]() They were the 2003 runner-up and have finished third three times. “We’ve overcome every challenge and now we face the ultimate challenge, the big one” I think we have to do what we’ve done in every match,” said Paralluelo. Four years ago, La Roja advanced to the knockout round but lost to eventual champions the United States. Spain is playing in only its third World Cup. To be able to repeat is really incredible," Paraluello said. It is something very unique when I scored the first goal. Paralluelo became just the second teenager to score in a Women’s World Cup semifinal after Kara Lang of Canada in 2003, also against Sweden I think everyone just feels sadness and huge disappointment.” It is is the third loss in the semifinals. “I have to watch the game, I really do, before I can make any assessments,” said Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson. Sweden has now lost in four of five semifinals and will try to finish third for a fourth time. “After scoring the first one it was like, ‘OK, this is the end, we have to keep this score.’ But they scored quite fast and I was like, `What the hell happened?' But we had confidence that we could create something else." “It was really, really really crazy," Spanish defender Irene Paredes said. ![]() Then, just 90 seconds later, Carmona beat Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic with the game-winner. Rebecka Blomqvist tied it for Sweden in the 88th. She gestured for the crowd to cheer, and the crowd thought it was celebrating Spain's decider.īut the celebration was brief. ![]() Salma Paralluelo, the 19-year-old super-sub who also scored the game-winner in Spain’s 2-1 extra-time quarterfinals victory over the Netherlands, scored in the 81st minute to put Spain up 1-0. “And to think that we’re here because we deserve it.”Ĭarmona's goal capped a flurry of late scoring that saw Sweden tie the game, then Spain win it 90 seconds later on the surprise score. “The end result is a learning process which has made us all stronger in my opinion, and to leave it archived in the past and think about the future,” Vilda said through a translator. He again thanked the federation and its leadership for the support that has Spain one win away from the World Cup. “We’re in the final, that’s what we wanted.” Now, La Roja has a chance to become a first-time World Cup champion. Three of those players are on this World Cup team, and Vilda a day before the game against Sweden praised the Spanish federation for its support. The controversy surrounding Spain dates to last September, when 15 players signed a letter complaining about Vilda and the conditions for the the national team. Spain, which overcame last year's near mutiny by its players against coach Jorge Vilda, will play the winner of tournament co-host Australia and England on Sunday in the final in Sydney. He is the all-time leader in caps, 111, and scored 11 goals in his 13 seasons playing for his country.AUCKLAND – Spain will play for its first Women's World Cup championship after Olga Carmona's goal in the 89th minute lifted La Roja to a 2-1 victory over Sweden in the Tuesday semifinal. He had been a standout in his native Colombia since he began playing professionally in 1981.Ĭarlos Valderrama is one of the best players to every play for Colombia. ![]() Valderrama made a name for himself in the soccer world well before MLS was formed. In 2005, Valderrama was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI. He is currently second all-time in MLS assists with 114 In 2000, he led the league in assists when he recorded 26. He was named the league’s first Most Valuable Player in 1996 when he found the back of the net 4 times and had 17 assists.Īfter two seasons in Tampa Bay, Valderrama was traded to the Miami Fusion before eventually returning back to the Mutiny in 1999. Valderrama began his MLS career with the Tampa Bay Mutiny when the league started in 1996. Carlos Valderrama may always be remembered for his unruly hair, but his play on the field will not be soon forgotten either. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |