Spain and Netherlands go head to head in the first of the quarter-finals at this year’s Women’s World Cup, with both countries firmly eyeing the trophy later this month.
Although it may seem surprising given their reputation now, Spain have never been this far at a World Cup tournament before. Their previous best was a last 16 exit in 2019, while they hadn’t qualified for the finals prior to 2015. This is already new ground, but they definitely want more.
Netherlands didn’t have a great Euro 2022 amid a number of setbacks during the tournament, but the Dutch have fresh life this summer and have been one of the more impressive teams overall. Jill Roord and Esmee Brugts in particular have been shining lights in orange.
The Spanish ran up a 5-1 score-line against Switzerland to reach the last eight, while it was a 2-0 win against a potentially dangerous South Africa that got the Dutch team here.
*Thursday 10 August
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United Kingdom |
ITV1, ITVX, STV |
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FOX, Peacock Premium, Fubo, Telemundo, Universo |
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Canada |
TSN4, TSN+ |
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Australia |
Optus Sport |
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Ten meetings between these countries dating back to 1999 have resulted in five Spanish wins, two Dutch wins and three draws.
Spain have won each of the last three meetings in 2021, 2019 and 2018, while both Dutch wins came within the space of just a few days in October 2008.
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Round |
Spain |
Netherlands |
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Group stage matchday 1 |
Spain 3-0 Costa Rica |
Netherlands 1-0 Portugal |
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Group stage matchday 2 |
Spain 5-0 Zambia |
United States 1-1 Netherlands |
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Group stage matchday 3 |
Japan 4-0 Spain |
Vietnam 0-7 Netherlands |
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Last 16 |
Switzerland 1-5 Spain |
Netherlands 2-0 South Africa |
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Centre-back Ivana Andres was back training on Wednesday after missing both the group stage loss to Japan and the last 16 win over Switzerland. Rocio Galvez, who was dropped after the heavy Japan defeat, and Laia Codina, who scored at both ends against the Swiss, have been used in her place.
Jorge Vilda also has to decide whether he sticks or twists in goal, having dropped Misa Rodriguez afetr the group stage. Alexia Putellas was also only on the bench last time out.
Experienced midfielder Danielle van de Donk is suspended as a result of collecting her second yellow card of the tournament last time out. Dutch coach Andries Jonker has described her absence as a “big” blow. “Not playing in this match, with her specific qualities that are really useful to the team, is a real shame for her, but also for the team,” he added.
Lyon clubmate Damaris Egurrola is set to start in Van de Donk’s place, with no reported other injuries.
Spain have scored five times in two different games at this World Cup, but that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. In their most difficult fixture against Japan, the only time so far they have faced another team with genuine trophy ambitions, things went badly wrong.
Jorge Vilda named a strong side to win that game and came unstuck against a technical and well-drilled opponent. He responded by chopping and changing the team in retribution, but it has become apparent that, despite world class individuals, he hasn’t yet settled on his strongest team.
The Dutch are in the opposite kind of form. They have been much more consistent and have the potential to prey on Spain’s weaknesses in the same way that Japan did. An early goal could be crucial and Andries Jonker’s team have made a habit of scoring them in every game.
Prediction: Spain 1-3 Netherlands
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