In a captivating quarter-final match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Spain emerged victorious against the Netherlands in the Women’s World Cup, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win after extra time. The clash showcased a relentless display of skill, determination, and VAR interventions that added to the dramatic narrative of the game.
The tension-filled encounter took an unexpected turn early on when Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands appeared to be tripped in the penalty box by Irene Paredes. The French referee, Stephanie Frappert, awarded a yellow card to Paredes and pointed to the spot. However, VAR intervened, prompting a review that led to the withdrawal of Paredes’ yellow card. The decision left Beerensteyn and her team visibly frustrated.
As the match progressed, Spain managed to break the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, courtesy of Mariona Caldentey. The opportunity arose after a cross from Salma Paralluelo struck the flailing hand of Dutch defender Van der Gragt inside the penalty box.
The Netherlands responded with vigor, and in the first minute of stoppage time, they found the equalizer through a powerful strike from Inter Milan defender Van der Gragt. The goal injected fresh energy into the game and set the stage for a dramatic extra-time showdown.
Extra time saw the Netherlands creating better scoring opportunities, particularly through Beerensteyn, who came close to altering the scoreline. However, it was Spain’s Paralluelo who ultimately stole the spotlight. The young Barcelona forward capitalized on a counterattack to secure the decisive goal that sent Spain into the semi-finals.
World player of the year, Alexia Putellas, who is currently recovering from a knee injury, made a significant appearance off the Spanish bench during extra time. While her presence added depth to Spain’s attack, the team faced a setback as defender Oihane Hernandez received a yellow card for a foul, ruling her out for the upcoming semi-final clash.
The quarter-final showcased the rollercoaster of emotions that define football, with VAR decisions influencing critical moments of the game. Spain’s controlled attacking strategy stood out, especially during the dominant first half that witnessed 11 unanswered attempts on goal. The Netherlands, despite initially struggling to find their rhythm, managed to regain momentum and create scoring opportunities as the match progressed.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, both teams can take pride in their performances. Spain’s resurgence after a challenging start to the tournament exemplifies their determination, while the Netherlands displayed resilience and creativity throughout the match. The stage is now set for the semi-finals, as Spain continues its quest for Women’s World Cup glory.
