The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continued Thursday (on FOX and the FOX Sports app) with Spain taking down the Netherlands in the opening quarterfinal game at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Spain and the Netherlands checked in at Nos. 3 and No. 2, respectively, in our latest World Cup power rankings. Thursday’s match featured three Golden Boot favorites — Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo, along with the Netherland’s Jill Roord — while Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is on the short list for this year’s Golden Glove award.
Spain was led by 25-year-old captain Aitana Bonmatí, who has a point to prove in this tournament en route to cementing herself as the best women’s player in the world.
The Netherlands were without star midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk, who was ruled out of the quarterfinals after picking up her second yellow card of the tournament in the knockouts versus South Africa. If players received two yellow cards during two different matches before this round, they were automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match.
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111′: Spain retakes lead!
Salma Paralluelo broke the tie for Spain, knocking in a goal on the left side of the net.
Spain’s Salma Paralluelo scores goal vs. Netherlands in 111′
107′: So close
After a scoreless first extra-time period, Lineth Enid Fabienne Beerensteyn dribbled through traffic and got off a shot for the Netherlands, but it was just a tad to the right.
We got extra time!
90+1′: TIE GAME
Stefanie Van der Gragt got away from the crowd and powered in the game-tying goal on the left side of the net for the Netherlands.
Netherlands’ Stefanie Van der Gragt scores goal vs. Spain in 90+1′
86′: Not quite
The Netherlands got near the net, but Lineth Enid Fabienne Beerensteyn’s shot was caught by Catalina Coll.
81′: Spain scores on penalty kick
Spain was rewarded a penalty kick after Netherlands defender Stefanie Van der Gragt made contact with the ball. Maria Francisca Caldentey Oliver then knocked in the penalty kick off the left post, giving Spain a 1-0 lead.
Spain’s Maria Francisca Caldentey Oliver scores goal vs. Netherlands in 81′
73′: Entry still a no-go
Teresa Abilleira got off a contested shot for Spain, but Daphne Van Domselaar hauled in the attempt for the Netherlands.
64′: Right call?
Spain defender Irene Paredes Hernandez appeared to shove Netherlands forward Lineth Enid Fabienne Beerensteyn in the back, as the latter was going for a shot attempt, but a VAR review determined that there was no penalty.
Spain’s penalty vs. the Netherlands is overturned after VAR review
46′: Whoa!
Esther Gonzalez almost scored just seconds into the second half for Spain.
HALFTIME: No score
Spain controlled the pace in the first half, getting off 11 shots (three on goal), compared to just one for the Netherlands.
45+3′: Another almost
Ona Batlle’s shot went a little north of the net for Spain.
42′: Another denial
Esther Gonzalez got off another shot for Spain, but goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar came up with another save for the Netherlands.
38′: Spain goal called off
Esther Gonzalez appeared to score the first goal of the game for Spain off a pass from Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer, but a VAR check determined that she was offside.
34′: First yellow card
Spain defender Oihane Hernandez was given the first yellow card of the match.
34′: Not happening
Oihane Hernandez got off a shot from the right side for Spain, but Dutch goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar caught the attempt.
28′: A good attempt
Esmee Virginia Brugts got off a shot from the left side of the net that came hooking back to the left, but it was still a little wide for the Netherlands.
22′: Shot absorbed
Esther Gonzalez got off a screaming shot for Spain, but it was denied by the Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar.
17′: The post says no — twice
Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer’s header went off the left post and then her shot off the ricochet also went off the post. Aitana Bonmati Conca then attempted a shot that went over the net, as Spain continued to force the issue.
Spain hits the post TWICE against the Netherlands in the 17′
4′: Missed opportunity
Spain nearly struck first in the early going, but Esther Gonzalez’ close-up shot went wide to the right.
1′: We’re off!
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The “World Cup NOW” crew previewed the match live on social media ahead of kickoff.
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
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