Spain and Sweden advance to the FIFA WWC semis

The GIST: The FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) quarter-finals are off to a thrilling start, with No. 6 Spain and No. 3 Sweden set to face off in the semifinals after last night’s wins. All fútbol, all the time.

No. 6 Spain vs. No. 9 Netherlands: TBH, this game was uncharacteristically snoozy (but extremely physical) until the 80th minute, when La Roja converted a handball-awarded penalty kick (PK) to go up 1–0. But the lead was short-lived — the Dutch netted the equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time, sending the match to extra time.

• In the end, Spain emerged supreme, winning 2–1 after forward Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono scored in extra time, sending her squad to their first-ever WWC semis. Vamos.

No. 3 Sweden vs. No. 11 Japan: The Swedes are in their spoiler era, taking down the formidable Japanese squad 2–1 early this morning to return to the semis for the second-straight tournament. The difference makers? Sweden converted on two set plays (including a PK) while Japan hit the crossbar twice.

• And with Japanese midfielder Hinata Miyazawa now out of the tournament, the race for the Golden Boot is hotter than ever.