The Dutch handball players also achieved a well-deserved victory in their fourth match at the World Cup. Brazil was defeated 35-27 by an unleashed Dutch team.
On Wednesday evening, in the first match of the main round at the World Cup, the Netherlands faced an opponent of a tougher caliber than in the three previous matches. The South American champion Brazil was stronger than Argentina, Congo and the Czech Republic, who were seemingly effortlessly put aside by the Dutch handball players in the preliminary round with large numbers.
But the women of national coach Per Johansson, including Lois Abbingh from Groningen, also had little difficulty with the Brazilian women. The goal of the Netherlands is to be back on the podium at a major tournament after a number of leaner years, preferably as world champion. The Dutch team, which is developing more and more into a real handball machine with each match, is well on track after the last win.
The foundation for victory is laid in the beginning
The basis for the Netherlands’ victory was laid at the beginning of the match, which, like the previous matches of the Dutch players, was played in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Before the Brazilians fully realized what was happening, they were already 5-0 behind. The Dutch attack succeeded in everything, while the South American women misplaced everything in this phase or lost the ball quickly.
Brazil never recovered from that blow. The team, with star player Bruna Almeida De Paula participating almost invisibly, was behind the times throughout the match. As a result, the Netherlands ultimately achieved an easy victory. Although the South American team recovered somewhat from the weak start, the Dutch team remained fully in control.
Goalkeeper Yara ten Holte excels again
Relying on an excellent defense and another outstanding goalkeeper Yara ten Holte, the Dutch handball players not only managed to maintain their lead, but even increased it. Johansson left Ten Holte in goal for the entire game. The national coach therefore had no reason to change his goalkeeper for Tess Lieder, who was on the bench this time. Ten Holte made a large number of beautiful saves on shots from far away or close when Brazilians were able to shoot freely one on one. It didn’t matter to her at all. She often emerged as the winner.
Johansson again substituted several players during the game. For example, center back Larissa Nusser got a lot of playing time, while she was still on the bench in the last preliminary round match. It showed that the Netherlands no longer consists of ‘youngsters’ and veterans, but has become a well-oiled handball machine of equal players who have grown together. The national coach has the opportunity to immediately replace someone who is not performing as well, without this weakening the team.
Dione Housheer becomes top scorer for the Dutch team
The Netherlands still had a five-goal lead against Brazil at halftime at 18-13. In the second half, the Oranje’s impending victory was never in danger for a moment. Brazil ultimately had to win 35-27 in the Netherlands, for which the well-playing Dione Housheer became top scorer with six goals.
With the win, the Netherlands has taken a nice step towards reaching the quarter-finals. The team now has six points, just like Spain who play in the same main round group and won against Argentina. Brazil has only two points.
Brazil entered with many players who play in European competitions up to the highest level. Bruna de Paula plays for the Hungarian Györi, while Barbara Arenhart and Gabriela Moreschi are contracted to Krim Mercator SG BBM Bietigheim respectively. Goalkeeper Moreschi, who soon replaced her colleague Arenhart in goal, had to prevent her teammates in Germany, Kelly Dulfer – former DOS player in Emmer-Compascuum – and Inger Smits from scoring against the Dutch team. Dulfer scored twice.
Winning was a necessity for Brazil
Brazil started the first main round match with only two points from the preliminary round. The South American women should have won in order not to widen the gap with the Netherlands and Spain. After all, the latter countries won all previous group matches and already earned four points.
The Dutch handball players must finish among the first two teams in the so-called main round group 4 to reach the quarter-finals. The World Cup will then continue via the knockout system. But first there must be eight quarter-finalists from the four playing groups. After Brazil, the Netherlands will play Ukraine on Friday and Spain on Sunday.
The new world champion immediately qualifies for the Olympic Games. If the Netherlands does not repeat the feat from 2019, when it became world champion in Japan, a ticket can still be earned via an Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OKT). The six best countries in the World Cup can participate.