Spain beat Netherlands to reach semi-finals for first time

Spain 2-1 Netherlands

The first quarter-final of the 2023 Women's World Cup was truly a battle between the tournament's strongest attack and the most solid defense. Spain dominated possession and created many chances, but most were saved by goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. On the other hand, the Netherlands, despite attacking less, still created opportunities to shake the opponent's defense.

Stefanie van der Gragt was the star of the quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands. The 30-year-old defender played a key role in both teams' goals. She was the one who created the turning point for Spain in the 81st minute.

After Van de Gragt committed a blatant handball in the box, Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty kick to put Spain ahead. However, the Netherlands managed to equalise as the match entered stoppage time.

Spain (red shirt) entered the Women's World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Centre-back Van der Gragt was pushed into a forward role by coach Andries Jonker. She proved her scoring skills in the first minute of stoppage time with a brilliant run to beat the offside trap and a tricky finish from one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Van der Gragt's equaliser sent the match into extra time.

The Netherlands dominated extra time. However, when the strikers were not as good as the defenders, the reigning Women's World Cup runners-up paid the price. After Lineth Beerensteyn missed two chances very close to goal, the Netherlands conceded.

Jennifer Hermoso set up Salma Paralluelo to score the winning goal for Spain 2-1. The Netherlands were eliminated, meaning both the defending champions and runners-up will have to stop their journey at the 2023 Women's World Cup before the semi-finals.