Spain substitute Jenni Hermoso scored a superb 89th minute goal to help her side snatch a 1-0 win over Italy in the Nations League on Friday as she returned to the national team for the first time since their Women's World Cup success in August.

Forward Hermoso, made a triumphant return following the kiss scandal involving former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales and after being left out of the matches against Sweden and Switzerland in September.

Rubiales resigned last month after the allegedly unsolicited kiss on Hermoso's lips at the World Cup presentation ceremony caused outrage among players, government officials and many in wider Spanish society and raised questions over sexism in sport.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-nba-shai-gilgeous-alexanders-33-points-helps-oklahoma-city-thunder-defeat-los-angeles-lakers-664934">NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 33 points helps Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Los Angeles Lakers</a>

Coach Montse Tome said at the time of Hermoso's omission from the squad that she made the decision to "protect her", although she was now thrilled to have Hermoso back in the team.

"We're all very happy because we were able to win and because she (Hermoso) scored that goal," Tome told a press conference after Friday's game. "When Italy closed down, when they got more into a low block, we needed someone else, like Jenni, in there. And she scored that goal, the goal that made us all very happy."

"I would also like to say how happy I am with that goal, considering the time she has spent on the pitch. We saw her smiling and I think everyone is smiling," the coach added.

Hermoso came on in the 68th minute and collected a rebound from Alexia Putellas' shot to nudge the ball into the net for her 52nd goal as the national team's top scorer.

Spain top Nations League group four with nine points ahead of Sweden on six and Italy with three. They face bottom side Switzerland, who have yet to earn a point, on Tuesday.

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Spain substitute Jenni Hermoso scored a superb 89th minute goal to help her side snatch a 1-0 win over Italy in the Nations League on Friday as she returned to the national team for the first time since their Women's World Cup success in August.

Spain substitute Jenni Hermoso scored a superb 89th minute goal to help her side snatch a 1-0 win over Italy in the Nations League on Friday as she returned to the national team for the first time since their Women's World Cup success in August. Forward Hermoso, made a triumphant return following the kiss scandal involving former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales and after being left out of the matches against Sweden and Switzerland in September. Rubiales resigned last month after the allegedly unsolicited kiss on Hermoso's lips at the World Cup presentation ceremony caused outrage among players, government officials and many in wider Spanish society and raised questions over sexism in sport. Also Read: NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 33 points helps Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Los Angeles Lakers Coach Montse Tome said at the time of Hermoso's omission from the squad that she made the decision to "protect her", although she was now thrilled to have Hermoso back in the team. "We're all very happy because we were able to win and because she (Hermoso) scored that goal," Tome told a press conference after Friday's game. "When Italy closed down, when they got more into a low block, we needed someone else, like Jenni, in there. And she scored that goal, the goal that made us all very happy." "I would also like to say how happy I am with that goal, considering the time she has spent on the pitch. We saw her smiling and I think everyone is smiling," the coach added. Hermoso came on in the 68th minute and collected a rebound from Alexia Putellas' shot to nudge the ball into the net for her 52nd goal as the national team's top scorer. Spain top Nations League group four with nine points ahead of Sweden on six and Italy with three. They face bottom side Switzerland, who have yet to earn a point, on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nations League: Jenni Hermoso scores 89th minute goal to help Spain beat Italy

In a sign that the Luis Rubiales&nbsp;kiss controversy may be developing into a sort of a 'Me Too' moment for Spain, more than 200 Spanish women have anonymously shared examples of sexism or abuse of power at their workplace. A nation-wide debate has started in Spain after country's football federation chief Luis Rubiales planted an unsolicited kiss on the lips of Jenni Hermoso, member of Spain's women football team after the country won women's football world cup last month.

Rubiales initially brushed off the incident but it soon assumed international proportions with FIFA getting involved.

The anonymous responses with examples of sexism and power abuse were sent after a social media appeal by Helena Legido-Quigley, a professor at Imperial College London who was working with members of Women in Global Health Spain.

Just within five days of the appeal, more than 200 stories have&nbsp;poured in.

“I was completely shocked,” she said as quoted by The Guardian.

“What happened to Jenni has really created a moment for women to start sharing their stories.”

The women had detailed their experiences that involved lewd comments to inappropriate touching and even sexual assaults. What's scary is that most of them said that they were sharing just two or three of many such experiences, according to Legido-Quigley.

The news report by The Guardian said that most of these women never reported these incidents. The reasons ranged from fear to being clueless as to what exactly is to be done in such a situation.&nbsp;

“In several cases they said it destroyed their careers,” said Legido-Quigley.

“Some said that they were sharing this for the first time. They hadn’t even told their partners.”

For many of these women though the unpleasant incidents took place within seconds, the psychological ramifications lasted for a long time.

“I think what this says about Spanish society is that what we call micromachismos are normalised,” she said as quoted by The Guardian&nbsp;

“So these comments about women, about the way they look, there is this kind of humour, it’s normalised behaviour. Women feel uncomfortable but they don’t dare to highlight it because of power [imbalances].”

“I think this is a #MeToo moment for Spain, but we are not ready to give names and shame institutions. That’s the key difference. Because people are really scared of losing their jobs,” she added.

The initial aftermath of the Rubiales controversy shocked many. The federation chief initially brushed of the incident saying it was just “a little peck”.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spains-jenni-hermoso-files-criminal-complaint-over-luis-rubiales-kiss-633013">Spain's Jenni Hermoso files criminal complaint over Luis Rubiales' kiss</a>

Just months ago, 15 players on Spain's national women's team refused to play under coach Jorge Vilda. All of the players sent identical letters saying the situation was affecting their health and emotional state.

The Rubiales-led federation had shot back at the players and asked them to “admit their error and apologise”.

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In a sign that the Luis Rubiales kiss controversy may be developing into a sort of a 'Me Too' moment for Spain, more than 200 Spanish women have anonymously shared examples of sexism or abuse of power at their workplace.

In a sign that the Luis Rubiales kiss controversy may be developing into a sort of a 'Me Too' moment for Spain, more than 200 Spanish women have anonymously shared examples of sexism or abuse of power at their workplace. A nation-wide debate has started in Spain after country's football federation chief Luis Rubiales planted an unsolicited kiss on the lips of Jenni Hermoso, member of Spain's women football team after the country won women's football world cup last month. Rubiales initially brushed off the incident but it soon assumed international proportions with FIFA getting involved. The anonymous responses with examples of sexism and power abuse were sent after a social media appeal by Helena Legido-Quigley, a professor at Imperial College London who was working with members of Women in Global Health Spain. Just within five days of the appeal, more than 200 stories have poured in. “I was completely shocked,” she said as quoted by The Guardian. “What happened to Jenni has really created a moment for women to start sharing their stories.” The women had detailed their experiences that involved lewd comments to inappropriate touching and even sexual assaults. What's scary is that most of them said that they were sharing just two or three of many such experiences, according to Legido-Quigley. The news report by The Guardian said that most of these women never reported these incidents. The reasons ranged from fear to being clueless as to what exactly is to be done in such a situation. “In several cases they said it destroyed their careers,” said Legido-Quigley. “Some said that they were sharing this for the first time. They hadn’t even told their partners.” For many of these women though the unpleasant incidents took place within seconds, the psychological ramifications lasted for a long time. “I think what this says about Spanish society is that what we call micromachismos are normalised,” she said as quoted by The Guardian “So these comments about women, about the way they look, there is this kind of humour, it’s normalised behaviour. Women feel uncomfortable but they don’t dare to highlight it because of power [imbalances].” “I think this is a #MeToo moment for Spain, but we are not ready to give names and shame institutions. That’s the key difference. Because people are really scared of losing their jobs,” she added. The initial aftermath of the Rubiales controversy shocked many. The federation chief initially brushed of the incident saying it was just “a little peck”. Also Read | Spain's Jenni Hermoso files criminal complaint over Luis Rubiales' kiss Just months ago, 15 players on Spain's national women's team refused to play under coach Jorge Vilda. All of the players sent identical letters saying the situation was affecting their health and emotional state. The Rubiales-led federation had shot back at the players and asked them to “admit their error and apologise”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

More than 200 Spanish women share incidents of sexism after Rubiales-Hermoso kiss row

The mother of Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales started a hunger strike inside a church on Monday to protest against what she called her son's "inhumane treatment" over his grabbing and kissing player Jenni Hermoso, his cousin said.

Rubiales, who is president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was suspended on Saturday by FIFA amid a furore after he kissed Hermoso on the mouth during the awards ceremony following Spain's World Cup victory in Sydney on Aug. 20. Hermoso says she did not want to be kissed.

He has refused to resign even as the matter has spiralled into a national row over macho behaviour, women's rights and sexual abuse.

The RFEF, which has defended Rubiales, has called an urgent meeting on Monday to evaluate the situation.

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Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz was also meeting on Monday with representatives of the women players' union FUTPRO, which represents Hermoso, and the Association of Spanish Footballers.

"What footballer Jenni Hermoso has experienced should never have happened," Diaz said in a video statement prior to the meeting.

Rubiales' cousin, Vanessa Ruiz, told reporters that the family was suffering and facing harassment over what she described as "unfair" premature judgements.

"We want to be left alone and justice to prevail...Jenni, we want you to tell the truth." Ruiz said.

She said his mother Angeles Bejar had gone on hunger strike and did not wish to leave the parish church of Divina Pastora in Rubiales' hometown in Motril, southern Spain.

Bejar told state news agency EFE her strike would last "until a solution is found to the inhumane and bloody hunt they are carrying out against my son with something he does not deserve".

"There is no sexual abuse since there is consent on both sides, as the images prove," Bejar told EFE. "My son is incapable of hurting anyone."

Rubiales, 46, has been defiant over the kiss - which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her team mates, several male players, and the Spanish government.

At a federation meeting on Friday where he had been widely expected to step down, Rubiales instead refused to quit, seeking to defend his behaviour and calling the kiss "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual".

RFEF has said Rubiales will defend himself legally to prove "his complete innocence".

Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss and felt "vulnerable and the victim of an aggression".

Gender issues have become a prominent topic in Spain in recent years. Tens of thousands of women have taken part in street marches protesting against sexual abuse and violence, and the Socialist-led coalition government has presided over legal reforms including around equal pay or abortion rights.

Feminist groups have called a demonstration on Monday in Madrid entitled "With You Jenni". Hundreds of people staged a demonstration on Sunday in Salamanca against Rubiales.

The Spanish government cannot fire Rubiales but has strongly denounced his actions and said on Friday it was seeking to get him suspended using a legal procedure before a sports tribunal.

All 23 of Spain's cup-winning squad including Hermoso, as well as dozens of other squad members, said on Friday they would not play internationals while Rubiales remained head of the federation. Their next match is away to Sweden in the Nations League on Sept. 22.

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The mother of Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales started a hunger strike inside a church on Monday to protest against what she called her son's "inhumane treatment" over his grabbing and kissing player Jenni Hermoso, his cousin said.

The mother of Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales started a hunger strike inside a church on Monday to protest against what she called her son's "inhumane treatment" over his grabbing and kissing player Jenni Hermoso, his cousin said. Rubiales, who is president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was suspended on Saturday by FIFA amid a furore after he kissed Hermoso on the mouth during the awards ceremony following Spain's World Cup victory in Sydney on Aug. 20. Hermoso says she did not want to be kissed. He has refused to resign even as the matter has spiralled into a national row over macho behaviour, women's rights and sexual abuse. The RFEF, which has defended Rubiales, has called an urgent meeting on Monday to evaluate the situation. ALSO READ: Tennis: America's Jack Sock set to retire after US Open Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz was also meeting on Monday with representatives of the women players' union FUTPRO, which represents Hermoso, and the Association of Spanish Footballers. "What footballer Jenni Hermoso has experienced should never have happened," Diaz said in a video statement prior to the meeting. Rubiales' cousin, Vanessa Ruiz, told reporters that the family was suffering and facing harassment over what she described as "unfair" premature judgements. "We want to be left alone and justice to prevail...Jenni, we want you to tell the truth." Ruiz said. She said his mother Angeles Bejar had gone on hunger strike and did not wish to leave the parish church of Divina Pastora in Rubiales' hometown in Motril, southern Spain. Bejar told state news agency EFE her strike would last "until a solution is found to the inhumane and bloody hunt they are carrying out against my son with something he does not deserve". "There is no sexual abuse since there is consent on both sides, as the images prove," Bejar told EFE. "My son is incapable of hurting anyone." Rubiales, 46, has been defiant over the kiss - which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her team mates, several male players, and the Spanish government. At a federation meeting on Friday where he had been widely expected to step down, Rubiales instead refused to quit, seeking to defend his behaviour and calling the kiss "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual". RFEF has said Rubiales will defend himself legally to prove "his complete innocence". Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss and felt "vulnerable and the victim of an aggression". Gender issues have become a prominent topic in Spain in recent years. Tens of thousands of women have taken part in street marches protesting against sexual abuse and violence, and the Socialist-led coalition government has presided over legal reforms including around equal pay or abortion rights. Feminist groups have called a demonstration on Monday in Madrid entitled "With You Jenni". Hundreds of people staged a demonstration on Sunday in Salamanca against Rubiales. The Spanish government cannot fire Rubiales but has strongly denounced his actions and said on Friday it was seeking to get him suspended using a legal procedure before a sports tribunal. All 23 of Spain's cup-winning squad including Hermoso, as well as dozens of other squad members, said on Friday they would not play internationals while Rubiales remained head of the federation. Their next match is away to Sweden in the Nations League on Sept. 22. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kiss row: Luis Rubiales' mother goes on hunger strike, says son 'incapable' of hurting anyone

Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta on Sunday added to mounting criticism of the country's suspended federation president Luis Rubiales, saying his forced kiss with Jenni Hermoso after the women's World Cup final was "damaging the image" of Spanish football.

"After what has happened this week, I would like to convey my sadness as a person, as a father of three daughters, as a husband and as a footballer" at what has happened around "our football and around the Spanish women's national team", Iniesta wrote on his social networks.

"I believe that we cannot tolerate actions like the ones we have seen, which have tarnished such a great milestone as winning a World Cup," added the scorer of the goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 men's final, which gave Spain their first World Cup.

Hermoso said "at no time" did she consent to the kiss on the lips following the 1-0 win in the final against England in Sydney, which Rubiales described as "mutual, euphoric and consensual".

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Hermoso and 80 other Spain players, including the entire World Cup squad, said they will not play for the national team until the Spanish football federation (RFEF) "leadership" changes.

The majority of the women's team's coaching staff have also offered their resignations.

On Sunday, the RFEF's Sexual Violence Protection delegate clarified an "investigation process" was underway and that a federation press release on Saturday, responding to Hermoso's union Futpro, was not from her committee.

World football governing body FIFA suspended Rubiales from his post on Saturday for 90 days, while the Spanish government are working on their own suspension, which could happen Monday.

"I can't imagine the feeling that all the national team players must be feeling right now seeing how they are not talking about the great tournament they had and the fantastic football they taught us all," continued Iniesta. "Instead, we have had to put up with a president who has clung on to his position, who has not admitted that his behaviour has been unacceptable and is damaging the image of our country and our football around the world.

"It's a shame that a beautiful story that so many players have built over so many years has been soiled."

Criticism for Rubiales has gone far beyond the world of football.

"I stand with Jenni Hermoso," American actress Natalie Portman posted on Instagram.

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Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta on Sunday added to mounting criticism of the country's suspended federation president Luis Rubiales, saying his forced kiss with Jenni Hermoso after the women's World Cup final was "damaging the image" of Spanish football.

Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta on Sunday added to mounting criticism of the country's suspended federation president Luis Rubiales, saying his forced kiss with Jenni Hermoso after the women's World Cup final was "damaging the image" of Spanish football. "After what has happened this week, I would like to convey my sadness as a person, as a father of three daughters, as a husband and as a footballer" at what has happened around "our football and around the Spanish women's national team", Iniesta wrote on his social networks. "I believe that we cannot tolerate actions like the ones we have seen, which have tarnished such a great milestone as winning a World Cup," added the scorer of the goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 men's final, which gave Spain their first World Cup. Hermoso said "at no time" did she consent to the kiss on the lips following the 1-0 win in the final against England in Sydney, which Rubiales described as "mutual, euphoric and consensual". ALSO READ: Football: Lionel Messi's debut goal for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer - WATCH Hermoso and 80 other Spain players, including the entire World Cup squad, said they will not play for the national team until the Spanish football federation (RFEF) "leadership" changes. The majority of the women's team's coaching staff have also offered their resignations. On Sunday, the RFEF's Sexual Violence Protection delegate clarified an "investigation process" was underway and that a federation press release on Saturday, responding to Hermoso's union Futpro, was not from her committee. World football governing body FIFA suspended Rubiales from his post on Saturday for 90 days, while the Spanish government are working on their own suspension, which could happen Monday. "I can't imagine the feeling that all the national team players must be feeling right now seeing how they are not talking about the great tournament they had and the fantastic football they taught us all," continued Iniesta. "Instead, we have had to put up with a president who has clung on to his position, who has not admitted that his behaviour has been unacceptable and is damaging the image of our country and our football around the world. "It's a shame that a beautiful story that so many players have built over so many years has been soiled." Criticism for Rubiales has gone far beyond the world of football. "I stand with Jenni Hermoso," American actress Natalie Portman posted on Instagram. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

I am sad as a person, father, husband and footballer: Iniesta on kiss row involving suspended Luis Rubiales

Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales on Friday refused to resign for grabbing star player Jenni Hermoso's head and kissing her on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup victory, leading the national team to mutiny and the government to denounce his "macho actions".

In a joint statement sent via their FUTPRO union, all 23 of the cup-winning squad including Hermoso, as well as 32 other squad members, said they would not play internationals while Rubiales remains head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

In the same statement, Hermoso denied Rubiales' contention that his kiss at the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final in Sydney, Australia, was consensual.

"I do not tolerate it when my word is put into doubt and less so when words that I have not said are invented," she wrote.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-mauricio-pochettinos-new-look-chelsea-storm-pass-luton-town-3-0-629350">Premier League: Mauricio Pochettino's new-look Chelsea storm pass Luton Town 3-0</a>

Later, in a statement on social media on Friday, Hermoso added: "I felt vulnerable and a victim of aggression. I was simply not respected."

She said she had been put under "continuous pressure to justify Mr Rubiales' actions" by the RFEF. She added that the incident was "the final straw" in a long list of situations that players had been denouncing for years.

The federation, which has not responded to her latest comments, called an emergency meeting on Friday at which Rubiales had been widely expected to stand down. But instead he said repeatedly that he would not quit and complained that "false feminists" were "trying to kill me".

He called the kiss a "little peck" that was "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual". He also claimed that he asked Hermoso if he could kiss her and that she said "OK".

"Is a consensual peck going to take me out of here? I won't resign. I will fight until the end," said Rubiales, 46, drawing applause from the predominantly male audience.

The comments and reaction from the audience were widely scorned on social media.

Criticism of Rubiales' behaviour after Spain's win has built throughout the week, and acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz called his speech on Friday "unacceptable".

She wrote on social media: "The government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office."

Acting Equality Minister Irene Montero said the state prosecutor and the state-run sports council CSD should act to protect Hermoso.

FIFA opened disciplinary procedures against Rubiales on Thursday after Hermoso said in a statement her union was working to defend her interests and that such acts should "never go unpunished".

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Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales on Friday refused to resign for grabbing star player Jenni Hermoso's head and kissing her on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup victory, leading the national team to mutiny and the government to denounce his "macho actions".

Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales on Friday refused to resign for grabbing star player Jenni Hermoso's head and kissing her on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup victory, leading the national team to mutiny and the government to denounce his "macho actions". In a joint statement sent via their FUTPRO union, all 23 of the cup-winning squad including Hermoso, as well as 32 other squad members, said they would not play internationals while Rubiales remains head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). In the same statement, Hermoso denied Rubiales' contention that his kiss at the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final in Sydney, Australia, was consensual. "I do not tolerate it when my word is put into doubt and less so when words that I have not said are invented," she wrote. ALSO READ: Premier League: Mauricio Pochettino's new-look Chelsea storm pass Luton Town 3-0 Later, in a statement on social media on Friday, Hermoso added: "I felt vulnerable and a victim of aggression. I was simply not respected." She said she had been put under "continuous pressure to justify Mr Rubiales' actions" by the RFEF. She added that the incident was "the final straw" in a long list of situations that players had been denouncing for years. The federation, which has not responded to her latest comments, called an emergency meeting on Friday at which Rubiales had been widely expected to stand down. But instead he said repeatedly that he would not quit and complained that "false feminists" were "trying to kill me". He called the kiss a "little peck" that was "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual". He also claimed that he asked Hermoso if he could kiss her and that she said "OK". "Is a consensual peck going to take me out of here? I won't resign. I will fight until the end," said Rubiales, 46, drawing applause from the predominantly male audience. The comments and reaction from the audience were widely scorned on social media. Criticism of Rubiales' behaviour after Spain's win has built throughout the week, and acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz called his speech on Friday "unacceptable". She wrote on social media: "The government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office." Acting Equality Minister Irene Montero said the state prosecutor and the state-run sports council CSD should act to protect Hermoso. FIFA opened disciplinary procedures against Rubiales on Thursday after Hermoso said in a statement her union was working to defend her interests and that such acts should "never go unpunished". WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain's World Cup-winning women's team refuses to play international games till Luis Rubiales holds office

Teenager Salma Paralluelo hit an extra-time winner as Spain beat the Netherlands 2-1 at the Women's World Cup on Friday to set up a semi-final clash with Japan or Sweden.

Over a tense 90 minutes in Wellington full of incident, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time 10 minutes later.

With the quarter-final seemingly headed for penalties, Paralluelo, 19, came off the bench to produce a brilliant solo finish.

The result sets Spain up for a semi-final against Sweden or Japan in Auckland on Tuesday while the tournament is over for the Dutch, beaten finalists four years ago.

A match largely dominated by Spain -- and some VAR decisions -- burst into life late in normal time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trouble-mounts-for-fc-barcelona-as-ilkay-gundogan-among-several-players-yet-to-be-registered-with-la-liga-624306">Trouble mounts for FC Barcelona as Ilkay Gundogan among several players yet to be registered with La Liga</a>

Paralluelo's winner capped a display of controlled attacking football from the sixth-ranked La Roja, who have regained their swagger after crashing to a 4-0 group-stage loss to Japan, having crushed Switzerland in the round of 16.

Spain hit the post twice and had a goal ruled out for offside, although the Dutch could also consider themselves unlucky to have a penalty awarded but then overruled midway through the second half.

Spain completely dominated the first half, making 11 unanswered attempts on goal.

The Dutch were rescued by the woodwork twice in quick succession when Alba Redondo's header was parried onto the post by goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and her follow-up nearly hit the same spot low down on the left post.

Spain captain Esther Gonzalez, who was a constant menace, lashed a shot into the net from a Redondo mis-hit but the striker was ruled offside by VAR.

The Netherlands regained a foothold in the second half.

They looked set to go in front when Lineth Beerensteyn tumbled over in the box following contact with Irene Paredes, who was shown a yellow card as French referee Stephanie Frappert pointed to the spot.

Frappert was advised by VAR to review and ruled there wasn't sufficient contact from Paredes, who had her yellow card withdrawn, much to the animated displeasure of Beerensteyn.

Spain went ahead from the spot in the 81st minute through Caldentey after Paralluelo's cross struck Van der Gragt's flailing hand just inside the penalty box.

Inter Milan defender Van der Gragt made amends in the first minute of stoppage time when her surging run was found by Victoria Pelova before blasting past Cata Coll inside the far post of the Spanish goal.

The Netherlands had the better chances in extra time, going close twice through Beerensteyn before conceding the decisive goal.

World player of the year Alexia Putellas, who is recovering from a knee injury, was introduced off the Spanish bench during extra time.

However, they will be without defender Oihane Hernandez for the semi-final after she was shown a yellow card for a foul.

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Teenager Salma Paralluelo hit an extra-time winner as Spain beat the Netherlands 2-1 at the Women's World Cup on Friday to set up a semi-final clash with Japan or Sweden.

Teenager Salma Paralluelo hit an extra-time winner as Spain beat the Netherlands 2-1 at the Women's World Cup on Friday to set up a semi-final clash with Japan or Sweden. Over a tense 90 minutes in Wellington full of incident, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time 10 minutes later. With the quarter-final seemingly headed for penalties, Paralluelo, 19, came off the bench to produce a brilliant solo finish. The result sets Spain up for a semi-final against Sweden or Japan in Auckland on Tuesday while the tournament is over for the Dutch, beaten finalists four years ago. A match largely dominated by Spain -- and some VAR decisions -- burst into life late in normal time. ALSO READ: Trouble mounts for FC Barcelona as Ilkay Gundogan among several players yet to be registered with La Liga Paralluelo's winner capped a display of controlled attacking football from the sixth-ranked La Roja, who have regained their swagger after crashing to a 4-0 group-stage loss to Japan, having crushed Switzerland in the round of 16. Spain hit the post twice and had a goal ruled out for offside, although the Dutch could also consider themselves unlucky to have a penalty awarded but then overruled midway through the second half. Spain completely dominated the first half, making 11 unanswered attempts on goal. The Dutch were rescued by the woodwork twice in quick succession when Alba Redondo's header was parried onto the post by goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and her follow-up nearly hit the same spot low down on the left post. Spain captain Esther Gonzalez, who was a constant menace, lashed a shot into the net from a Redondo mis-hit but the striker was ruled offside by VAR. The Netherlands regained a foothold in the second half. They looked set to go in front when Lineth Beerensteyn tumbled over in the box following contact with Irene Paredes, who was shown a yellow card as French referee Stephanie Frappert pointed to the spot. Frappert was advised by VAR to review and ruled there wasn't sufficient contact from Paredes, who had her yellow card withdrawn, much to the animated displeasure of Beerensteyn. Spain went ahead from the spot in the 81st minute through Caldentey after Paralluelo's cross struck Van der Gragt's flailing hand just inside the penalty box. Inter Milan defender Van der Gragt made amends in the first minute of stoppage time when her surging run was found by Victoria Pelova before blasting past Cata Coll inside the far post of the Spanish goal. The Netherlands had the better chances in extra time, going close twice through Beerensteyn before conceding the decisive goal. World player of the year Alexia Putellas, who is recovering from a knee injury, was introduced off the Spanish bench during extra time. However, they will be without defender Oihane Hernandez for the semi-final after she was shown a yellow card for a foul. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Salma Paralluelo's extra-time winner helps Spain beat Netherlands 2-1 in Women's World Cup quarters