With Spain back to their high-flying selves, they take on a gritty Netherlands side in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals from Wellington.
Both these teams dream of World Cup glory for various reasons. Spain, in the midst of a golden generation, have longed for silverware to legitimize their rise to women’s football prominence. The Dutch, meanwhile, fell just short in the 2019 final, and now with the United States out of the way, it feels like a chance to exorcise those demons amidst talk they would struggle to get another opportunity.
Spain appeared one of the most ferocious sides in the early part of the tournament, but a 4-0 humbling by Japan in the group-stage finale saw them finish second in Group C. They took out their frustration on Switzerland in a 5-1 Round of 16 victory, but worries that they cannot beat the world’s most in-form sides remain.
Netherlands, however, are without one of their most influential players as midfielder Danielle van de Donk is suspended for yellow card accumulation. Van de Donk’s physical presence is a vital part of how the Dutch play, and whoever replaces the squad’s second most-capped player has big shoes to fill.
Spain vs Netherlands match facts
- Date: Friday, August 11, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. ET (Thu, Aug. 10) / 2 a.m. BST /…
