Course for the quarterfinals
Netherlands defies failures and catching up
07/13/2022 11:44 p.m
After the Netherlands and Sweden drew in their first game in Group C, the two teams each take three points from their next opponents. This should give them the best chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the European Women’s Championship.
Even without star striker Vivianne Miedema, the Dutch footballers made a big step towards the quarter-finals at the European Championships in England. The defending champions defeated second-placed Portugal 3-2 (2-1) in Leigh and, with four points, as leaders in Group C, has progression in sight. The Portuguese have to worry about the knockout phase with just one point.
Damaris Egurrola (7th) and Stefanie van der Gragt (16th) brought the weakened Oranje Lionesses on course early on. Carole Costa with a penalty (38′) and Diana Silva (47′) brought Portugal back into the game after Russia had been excluded from the finals. But Danielle van de Donk (62nd) scored from long range to win for the Netherlands.
Without the corona-positive Miedema and the injured goalkeeper and captain Sari van Veenendaal, the Dutch women got into the game well, Egurrola hit a powerful header after a corner, van der Gragt headed in from close range. The Portuguese shook briefly before Costa restored tension after Dominique Janssen fouled Silva from the penalty spot.
And the Portuguese kept the pressure on after the break: Costa crossed and Silva headed in to equalize from a few yards out. Coach Francisco Neto’s team had already made up for a 0-2 deficit at the start against Switzerland (2-2). This time it was not enough to win a point after van de Donk’s dream goal.
Co-favorite Sweden had already opened the gate to the quarter-finals beforehand. The Olympic bronze medalist won 2-1 (0-0) against Switzerland in Sheffield and is also in second place with four points. With just one point, the Swiss have little chance of reaching the last eight.
Former Munich player and Wolfsburg player Fridolina Rolfö (53rd) gave the Swedes the lead in front of 12,914 spectators at Bramall Lane. Ramona Bachmann (55′) equalized just two minutes later, but Hanna Bennison (79′) shot the Swedes to victory.