MATCH REPORT | Spain climbs another step towards the pinnacle (2-1)

What we once dreamt of, we have achieved today, as the anthem of the Spanish team in this World Cup echoes. Elena Farga's voice resonated this Friday afternoon in Wellington, right after Mariona Caldentey took a breath and flawlessly executed the most important penalty in the history of Spanish women's football. Minutes later, in a memorable extra time, we find ourselves among the top four teams on the planet.

All on a historic day when the coach chose to start with the same lineup that defeated Switzerland in the round of 16 on Monday, with the only change being Mariona replacing Salma on the left wing.

Spain was determined to impose its dominance with the ball and battled to win the midfield mini-match against a Netherlands side unable to counter the smooth ball circulation of the Spanish team.

The creativity and teamwork of the players on the Spanish team were complemented by moments of magic, such as Jenni Hermoso's exquisite exchange with Esther González, which almost opened the scoring just four minutes into the match.

Thirteen minutes later, Spain's best chance of the first half arrived, with a header from Alba Redondo from Mariona's perfectly measured cross. Goalkeeper Van Domselaar deflected it to her right post, where the subsequent shot from the Manchegan striker was blocked.

Japan or Sweden will be the opponent next Tuesday for a spot in the World Cup final.

The Dutch team tried with long balls towards the isolated Lineth Beerensteyn but didn't trouble Cata Coll until near the half-hour mark, when a ball couldn't find Lieke Martens.

Spain found the net through a combination between Ona Batlle's assist and Esther González's shot, which was disallowed for offside after VAR review.

With dominance but without reward, the teams went to halftime. After the break, the match continued with Esther González coming close to scoring with a precise shot from outside the box.

Spain had thirteen shots on target compared to the Netherlands' one, but the Dutch found an opening in Spain's defense with a ball played towards Beerensteyn. She went down after contact with Irene Paredes, prompting a penalty initially awarded but later invalidated by the VAR assistant referee.

Then came the crucial moment, with Salma Paralluelo entering from the right and sending in a cross that was deflected by Van der Gragt's hand.

Mariona Caldentey stepped up to take the penalty and didn't miss, putting Spain ahead.

Ten more minutes plus an extended extra time remained, and the Netherlands played their card for redemption with Van der Gragt, who equalized in injury time and forced the match into extra time.

In the additional period, captain Ivana Andrés made a crucial save, and Jenni Hermoso attempted a header.

The coach introduced Olga Carmona, Eva Navarro, and Alexia Putellas to maintain control, while the Dutch relied on the speed of Beerensteyn, who came close to scoring in the second half of extra time.

After another attempt from Beerensteyn, Salma Paralluelo emptied her energy in a powerful and skillful move from the right. The Aragonese player fired a left-footed shot in the 111th minute, mirroring Andrés Iniesta's iconic goal against the Netherlands in Johannesburg.

Japan or Sweden now await this exceptional group of players in the semifinals on Tuesday. The story, as sung by Elena Farga, is still unfolding, and it's these players who are now writing it with their football.