The Dutch football players have lost their first chance at a ticket for the Olympic Games. World champion Spain was clearly the better in the large, but by no means completely filled, Olympic Stadium in Seville and won the semi-final of the Nations League 3-0. With two goals before halftime, the home team laid the foundation for the victory, which resulted in a place in the final of the new national tournament and a ticket for the Games.
Thanks to the victory of already placed France over Germany (2-1), the Dutch team will have one last chance to qualify for the Games in the consolation final in Heerenveen against the Germans on Wednesday.
For the Dutch team, the match in Seville was a chance for revenge. On the hunt for the world title, Spain ended the Dutch team’s World Cup adventure in the quarter-finals after extra time (2-1) last summer. National coach Andries Jonker was now unable to have regulars Jill Roord and Victoria Pelova due to injuries. Striker Vivianne Miedema had her first starting spot again since her cruciate ligament injury.
Initiative for Spain
Just like six months ago, Spain had the initiative. However, the first big chance was for Esmee Brugts. After a cross from the right, the wing defender just couldn’t get her foot behind the ball. Then it was the turn of Salma Paralluelo, Brugts’ teammate at FC Barcelona, on the other side. The scorer of the winning goal in the previous meeting again proved to be a plague for the Dutch defense with her speed, but she failed several times in a promising position.
After a dangerous shot from Lineth Beerensteyn, it was Spain again that had the biggest opportunities. That ended well for the Dutch team, until Jennifer Hermoso, of all people, took advantage of weak intervention by the Dutch defense with a low slider in the 41st minute.
It was the 33-year-old midfielder’s second goal since her return to the Spanish selection. Hermoso was kissed on the mouth by federation president Luis Rubiales during the ceremony after the World Cup final and subsequently decided to skip the first international matches. The incident caused a lot of commotion.
Before half time, the Spanish flags of the more than 21,000 spectators flew again. Midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was most alert after a cross from Mariona Caldentey and doubled the lead.
Spain took it much easier in the second half. However, without the substituted Miedema, the Dutch team created few chances. Ona Batlle made it 3-0 in the final phase.
(AP)