Spain meet Netherlands in an all-European Quarter-Final at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Victory would see Spain further consolidate their deepest run at a Women’s World Cup and reach the semi-finals for the first time, whilst Netherlands are seeking to reach the last four for a second consecutive edition.
Team News
Spain could welcome defender, Ivana Andres back into contention after a minor injury kept her out of their last two matches.
Manager, Jorge Vilda however could name an unchanged line-up which comfortably defeated Switzerland in the Round of 16, meaning that Alexia Putellas could again be named on the bench.
Olga Carmona and Oihane Hernandez are at risk of being suspended if Spain reach the semi-finals and they pick up a booking here.
Netherlands will be without midfielder, Danielle van de Donk because she is suspended for this match after she picked up her second booking of the tournament in their Round of 16 win over South Africa.
When is Kick-Off?
Spain face Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand on Friday 11 August at 3am CEST (2am UK Time).
Stat Attack
- This is Spain’s first-ever meeting against Netherlands at a Women’s World Cup.
- Netherlands have won just two of their last five meetings against Spain in all competitions (W2, L3), although their three defeats all came in their most recent meetings.
- Spain have won just one of two Women’s World Cup meetings against European opposition (W1, L1).
- Six of Spain’s 13 goals at this tournament have been scored by Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo, who hav scored three goals each.
- Four of Netherlands’ last 11 goals have been scored by Jill Roord.
Prediction
Following their 4-0 loss to Japan in their final Group C match, Spain could of let their heads drop against Switzerland yet they came out with a dominant yet clinically ruthless attacking display to breeze past the Swiss without much trouble.
Netherlands meanwhile mounted a stubborn defensive display with clinical end product to edge past South Africa in an evenly-matched contest, which might actually not be a bad thing because they will again need to be defensively resilient if want to beat Spain.
Danielle van de Donk however will be a loss in the Dutch’s midfield but it opens the door for Damaris Egurrola to come in next to Jackie Groenen and switch to a 3-2-3-2 formation, unless Andries Jonker opts for a formation switch to defensively counter Spain’s attacking threats.
This clash though does feel like it could be incredibly close and the longer it stays goalless, you have to fancy Netherlands’ experience more but Spain’s quality might just be the difference.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Netherlands