Judith Forca helps Spain tops the Netherlands in women's water polo semifinals at the Paris Olympics

NANTERRE, France (AP) — Judith Forca scored five times in regulation and made her attempt in the penalty shootout, helping Spain beat the Netherlands 19-18 on Thursday in the women's water polo semifinals at the Paris Olympics.

Bea Ortiz, Elena Ruiz, Paula Crespi and Maica García Godoy also converted as Spain went 5 for 5 in the tiebreaker. Goalkeeper Martina Terre stopped Brigitte Sleeking's penalty shot before García Godoy closed out the win.

Spain improved to 6-0 as it goes for the country's first gold medal in women's water polo. It lost to the United States in the final in London and Tokyo.

The U.S., which lost 13-11 to Spain on July 29, faces Australia in Thursday's second semifinal. The gold-medal match is on Saturday at Paris La Defense Arena.

Simone van de Kraats had four goals for the Netherlands, which beat Spain 8-7 for the European championship in January. Vivian Sevenich, Nina Ten Broek, Lieke Rogge and Kitty Lynn Joustra each scored twice.

___

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games