FOOTBALL – The first of the quarter-finals got underway early this morning when Spain took on the Netherlands. The two sides had yet to play against each other in a FIFA Women´s World Cup game.
For those of you who were fast asleep when this nail-biting match was played, read on!
Five minutes in, and Spain had their first chance. However, it was a wasted attempt as Hermoso´s ball just went wide of the target. Spain continued to dominate the early stages of the game with Hermoso and Bonmati central to the play.
Then in the 16th minute, Hermoso sent the ball into the penalty area for Redondo who headered the ball towards goal. But Van Domselaar got a touch hitting it off the post. This gave Redondo a second chance on the rebound, but once again, it hit off the woodwork.
Both sides had a few chances, but nothing that troubled the respective goalkeepers. A goal came for Spain in the 37th minute for Gonzalez, but the lineswoman´s flag was up for offside. The score remained 0-0.
Four minutes of stoppage time was added to the first half, and although Spain continued to push, the goal didn´t come.
Second half
No sooner were the teams on the pitch when Spain had yet another chance. But the strike from Gonzalez just skimmed past the post.
Then, just after the hour mark, a penalty was awarded to the Netherlands. Beerensteyn looked to have been pushed by Paredes, and the ref pointed to the spot. However, VAR overturned the decision.
With just 20 minutes of normal time to go, Redondo was replaced by Paralluelo who was immediately involved in the action. Just over 10 minutes left to play, and Paralluelo was once again involved as she crossed a ball in which was deflected off the arm of Van der Gragt. VAR made the decision, after the footage confirmed although Van der Gragt was outside the box, her arm when it hit the ball was inside the box. Consequently, a penalty was awarded for Spain.
Penalty for Spain
Caldentey stepped up, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way as her ball hit off the post and went into the net. It was 1-0 for Spain and less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
A series of substitutions were made for both sides as the clock moved closer to the full-time whistle.
Then, one minute into stoppage time, Van der Gragt made amends for her hand ball, and from 18 yards out, slammed the ball into the net. Suddenly, the game was back on.
Spain must have had victory in their sights, but the Netherlands were now fired up, and with 12 minutes of stoppage time….
However, the 12 minutes came and went, and the match went onto extra time.
Extra time
The first half saw a couple of dangerous attacks from both sides, and some fantastic saves.
Immediately after the break, Beerensteyn missed a sitter. Coll came out to meet the ball, but also missed. However, the ball was just shy of target. Then in the 111st minute, teenage substitute, Parraluelo made it 2-1 for Spain. Hermoso passed the ball forward for Parraluelo who sent her shot off the post and into the net.
With just under 10 minutes remaining, it was tense for both sides. Spain had to hold on, and the Netherlands were desperate to score to send the game to penalties. But the game ended 2-1 for Spain.
Spain reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Women´s World Cup
Spain will now face either Sweden or Japan in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Also read: The remaining teams in the last 8
