Steam-rolling Spain faces a sturdy Netherlands for a galvanizing battle of the first quarterfinal tie of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
SPA-W vs NED-W Match Details
Date: Friday, 11 August 2023
Time: 06:30 (IST)
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
SPA-W vs NED-W Match Preview
After the 4-0 hammering from Japan in the final group match, Spain responded emphatically by demolishing Switzerland 5-1 in the last-16 stage of the Women’s World Cup. Aitana Bonmati scored a splendid brace with a strike each from Jenni Hermoso, Alba Redondo and Laia Codina. The latter scored an own goal which led to the equalizer for the Swiss but it mattered little at the end. Manager Jorge Vilda caused several changes to the squad after the humiliating defeat even dropping Balon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. The move worked as La Roja regain the winning momentum produced in the first two games of the tournament with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica and 5-0 triumph over Zambia. The challenge gets tough from here with the Netherlands now knocking on their door in the quarterfinals. Spain fears that the 2019 finalists will adopt a similar style to Japan of hitting them on the counter. The solid defence of the Dutch has conceded just once in four games so far that too from a set-piece. They will not want to fall into the same trap of dominating possession with no real penetration. That being said, the Netherlands have been their favourite opposition lately with their last three meetings resulting in victories. Spain wishes to continue on that record to seal their first semi-final appearance in a major competition since Euro 1997.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands overcame a tricky South Africa team in the last-16 by finding the net in crucial moments of the match. Jill Roord scored for the fourth time in the tournament, after scoring just once in 2019, from an early corner in the game after Lieke Martens’ header was defended on the line. The PSG winger was involved again as her through set Lineth Beerensteyn on her way to complete a 2-0 victory for the Dutch. The Banyana Girls did not look threatening with their star forward Thembi Kgatlana giving worrying moments but goalkeeper Van Domselaar was equal to it every time. The game was pretty even until Beerensteyn’s goal went in from a howler from Kaylin Swart although Andries Jonker hopes to be a bit more comfortable against Spain in their quarterfinal tie. It is easier said than done looking at La Roja’s calibre but their third clean sheet in the tournament and unbeaten record of six matches is confidence builder. Also having a bit more experience than the debutants at this stage of the competition, Netherlands will take the opportunity of being in their second successive semi-final in their third finals. The Dutch picked up a 2-0 victory over Italy in the last eight four years ago and their ability to see out games is an important trait.
Recent Form (Women’s World Cup)
SPA-W: WLWW
NED-W: WWDW
SPA-W vs NED-W Team News
Spain are likely to go with an unchanged lineup so goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, Olga Carmona, Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas remain on the bench. Oihane Hernandez, Esther Gonzalez and Redondo will retain their place in the starting lineup. Ona Battle will continue in the left-back role looking to trouble Victoria Pelova and Sherida Spitse on her flank.
For the Netherlands, Danielle van de Donk is suspended after picking up a maximum booking against South Africa. In her place, Damaris Egurrola could be given the first start in the tournament. However, Atletico Madrid defender Merel van Dongen misses out with an ankle injury. Not that her availability would ever replace the formidable back-three of Spitse, Van der Gragt and Dominique Janssen.
SPA-W vs NED-W Predicted Lineups
SPA-W: Coll; Hernandez, Paredes, Ivana, Batlle; Bonmati, Abelleira, Hermoso; Redondo, Gonzalez, Paralluelo
NED-W: Van Domselaar; Spitse, Van der Gragt, Janssen; Pelova, Roord, Groenen, Egurrola, Brugts; Beerensteyn, Martens
SPA-W vs NED-W Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Van Domselaar (8)
DEF: Spitse (8), Van der Gragt (8.5), Batlle (8)
MID: Redondo (8.5), Roord (9), Abelleira (8), Bonmati (9), Brugts (8.5)
FW: Hermoso (9), Martens (8.5)
Vice-captain: Aitana Bonmati
Captain: Jill Roord
