The quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup have begun in dramatic fashion.
In a fiery match between the Netherlands and Spain, La Roja squeezed a 2-1 win over a determined Dutch side.
While the Spanish progress to the semifinals for the first time in their history, a strong Netherlands squad have headed home.
THE RESULTS
Quarterfinals: Spain 2, Netherlands 1 (in Wellington) – Game stats || Report
MAIN TALKING POINTS
Extra-time strike makes history for Spain
After a back-and-forth match, Spain rose above the Dutch to secure their first semi-final berth in their Women’s World Cup history.
La Roja began the match with passion and finesse. They pressured the Netherlands’ defence, provided sustained attacks and kept the ball in the final third for the majority of the first half.
However, while Jorge Vilda’s side looked strong and compact, they were unlucky in front of the net. They perhaps made too many passes without a shot and waited to create their “perfect goal,” which never came.
In the second half, Spain kept momentum after Esther Gonzalez narrowly missed the net 30 seconds in. Later on, after a Dutch handball in the box, Mariona Caldentey converted the penalty from the spot to give Spain a one-goal advantage.
Despite a late equalizer from Stefanie van der Gragt, La Roja didn’t give up in extra-time. In the 111th minute, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, which sent shockwaves and cheers across the stadium. It was a goal the Spanish will remember for a long time.
Spain will play the winner of Japan vs. Sweden in the next round.
Netherlands sent packing after valiant effort
The Netherlands had a shaky start to say the least. They did not pressure Spain’s midfield, and played so deep that La Roja had time and space in the final third to create threatening opportunities.
Star striker Jill Roord was uncharacteristically silenced, and it was the first time this tournament that they didn’t score in the first half of a match.
Truthfully, the Dutch were lucky to make it through the first half without getting scored on. Gonzalez’s tap-in was ruled offside, and van Domselaar’s reaching save prevented Redondo’s close-range shot.
But as the match went on, Andries Jonker’s side played with more energy and confidence. They had solid runs along the flanks and played higher up the pitch, which pressured the Spanish defence.
Van der Gragt’s stunning goal in second half injury time added late drama and sent the match to extra-time. In the first few minutes after the break, Martens and Beerensteyn recorded two shots on target, which indicated the squad’s shift in mentality.
However, the Netherlands’ resurgence wasn’t enough to defeat La Roja in Wellington. The Dutch may have bowed out of the tournament, but they delivered some sensational moments in the process.
GOAL OF THE DAY
After conceding a penalty that gave Spain the advantage, Stefanie van der Gragt redeemed herself. In second-half injury time, the 30-year-old soared past La Roja’s defenders and hammered home the equalizer.
Van der Gragt’s strike was also the 147th goal scored in this Women’s World Cup, which is a new record for the tournament.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
Salma Paralluelo’s winning goal in the 111th minute was historic. Not only was it the latest winning goal in Women’s World Cup history, but she became the youngest Spaniard to score in the tournament in the process.
THREE STARS OF THE DAY
1. Daphne van Domselaar, Netherlands: 17 minutes in, the 23-year-old made an incredible reaching save to prevent Spain from taking an early lead. Alba Redondo had a free header on net, but the Aston Villa keeper’s reaction was world-class.
2. Stefanie van der Gragt, Netherlands: After conceding a penalty, van der Gragt broke free and beat the Spanish backline. She struck the ball fast and clean into the far corner, which will be a moment to remember in her final international tournament.
3. Mariona Caldentey, Spain: After a Dutch handball on the edge of the box, the 27-year-old found the bottom left corner from the penalty spot to give La Roja the first goal of the match – and a boost of confidence.