In an intense quarter-final match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Spain and Netherlands battled it out for a spot in the semi-finals on Friday, 11 August.
With both teams displaying impressive form throughout the tournament, expectations were high for an entertaining and closely contested game. Ultimately, it was Spain who emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after extra time.
Here's how the teams line up ahead of the first #FIFAWWC Quarter-Final!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Will it be #ESP or #NED advancing?
The match started with both teams showing attacking intent from the kick-off. Spain dominated possession in the opening minutes, putting the Dutch defence under pressure. In the 16th minute, Spain came close to opening the scoring, with Alba Redondo forcing a save from the Dutch goalkeeper. The Netherlands struggled to create chances in Spain’s penalty area, with the Spanish defence remaining resolute.
As the game progressed, the Dutch started to find their rhythm and began to create opportunities in the final third. However, it was Spain who took the lead in the 35th minute, with Esther Gonzalez and Alba Redondo combining to put La Roja ahead. The goal was initially celebrated but was later overturned after VAR ruled that Gonzalez was marginally offside. The match remained goalless heading into halftime, with Spain deserving to be in front based on their dominant performance.
#ESP have had the better chances, but there's nothing between the two sides so far in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara! 💪#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The second half started with a near-miss from Spain, as Gonzalez’s shot narrowly missed the target within 15 seconds of kickoff. Spain continued to dictate the tempo of the game, displaying quick passing and excellent use of space. The Netherlands responded by keeping possession and trying to limit any Spanish advances. In the 61st minute, the Dutch were awarded a penalty after Lieke Martens was brought down in the box. However, VAR intervened and the penalty was overturned.
As the clock ticked down, both teams pushed for a decisive goal. Spain was awarded a penalty in the 78th minute after a handball by the Dutch defender. Mariona Caldentey stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner to give Spain a valuable 1-0 lead.
CALDENTEY GIVES SPAIN THE LEAD!!! 🇪🇸
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The feeling when you give your side the lead in a #FIFAWWC Quarter-Final! 👏🇪🇸@Mariona8Co | @SEFutbolFem
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The Dutch fought back and equalised in the 90+2nd minute, with Stefanie van der Gragt scoring a crucial goal.
REDEMPTION!@Stefaniie92 draws @oranjevrouwen level in second-half injury time! 🇳🇱#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/roKgOkdCz4
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The match headed into extra time with the score tied at 1-1.
Nothing like a bit of late drama! 🎭
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
We get 30 more minutes as #ESP and #NED head to extra-time! 🤩#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
Miedema is all @OranjeVrouwen fans rn… 😅 https://t.co/AnTrgjGkAb
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
In the first half of extra time, Spain made some substitutions to freshen up their lineup, while the Dutch also made changes to find a breakthrough. It was Spain who capitalised on a counterattack, with 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo racing down the left channel to score a sensational goal and give Spain a 2-1 lead in the 111th minute.
SALMA PARALLUELO, WHAT A GOAL!!! 🤯🇪🇸
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The step over. 🔥
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The finish. 🧊@SalmaParalluelo, take a bow! 👏#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/0d5zazjkAL
Despite their efforts, the Dutch were unable to find an equaliser, and Spain held on to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
The match was a display of high-quality football, with Spain ultimately emerging as deserving winners. Their attacking prowess and solid defensive performance showcased their potential as tournament favourites. The Netherlands fought valiantly but fell short in their quest for a World Cup semi-final berth. Spain’s victory sets up a tantalising semi-final clash with either Japan or Sweden.
Aaaand breathe! 😮💨@SEFutbolFem reach their first #FIFAWWC Semi-Final after a sensational match against Netherlands. 👏🇪🇸
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
🏆 ¡¡MERECE UN MÁS QUE GANADO MVP!!
— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) August 11, 2023
Gracias a ese golazo para el recuerdo, @SalmaParalluelo es designada como la MEJOR JUGADORA de los cuartos de final ante Países Bajos.
👏🏼 ¡¡Enhorabuena, SALMA!!#JugarLucharYGanar I #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/UICFaekErz
Dominant Sweden Prevail Over Japan
In a highly anticipated quarterfinal match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Japan took on Sweden at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
⏰ 30 minutes until kick-off!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Line-ups are in as #JPN and #SWE look to book their place in the #FIFAWWC Semi-Final!
Japan, coming off a convincing 3-1 victory over Norway in the previous round, faced a Sweden side that had eliminated the defending champions, USA, in a thrilling penalty shootout.
#JPN fans 🫶 Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau!@JFA_Nadeshiko | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/cNyr8SWEjR
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Both teams came into the match with strong performances in the tournament and were ranked among the top teams by FIFA. Sweden, ranked third in the world, took an early lead in the 32nd minute when Amanda Ilestedt scored from a free kick.
ILESTEDT DOES IT AGAIN!!!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Poacher. 🫡@AmandaIlestedt | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/arqoeeuVJL
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Japan, ranked 11th, struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half and were largely contained by Sweden’s solid defence.
Advantage #SWE at the break! 👏@SvenskFotboll | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
In the second half, Sweden continued their dominance and extended their lead in the 49th minute through a penalty converted by Filippa Angeldahl.
FILIPPA ANGELDAL FROM THE SPOT! 🎯
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
The perfect start to the second half for @SvenskFotboll. 💫 pic.twitter.com/8r2Wd4Rlhz
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Despite a missed penalty by Japan’s Ueki in the 76th minute, they managed to score in the 87th minute when Hayashi found the back of the net, giving them a glimmer of hope for a comeback.
#JPN HAVE ONE BACK!!!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Lifeline. @JFA_Nadeshiko | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/GxsnOrHyFb
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
As the match progressed into injury time, Japan pressed for an equaliser, but Sweden’s defence held firm. There were tense moments as Japan continued to attack, but Sweden managed to weather the storm and hold on to their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.
That's the name of the game. 🇸🇪@SvenskFotboll | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023
Sweden’s victory secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Spain, who won against the Netherlands in their quarterfinal match. It was a tense and thrilling encounter, with Sweden dominating the first half and Japan fighting back in the second half. Despite Japan’s valiant efforts, Sweden’s defensive resilience proved too strong to overcome.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗗
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) August 11, 2023
SÅJA!!!! VI ÄR KLARA FÖR SEMIFINAL!!!!#JPN 1-2 #SWE | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/xUwfMyrcVy
The quarterfinal match between Japan and Sweden showcased the high level of competition in the Women’s World Cup and provided a thrilling spectacle for football fans worldwide.
#JPN fans 🫶 Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau!@JFA_Nadeshiko | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/cNyr8SWEjR
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 11, 2023