Spain vs Netherlands – Quarter-Final – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Spain vs Netherlands on and what time does it start? Spain vs Netherlands will take place on Friday 11th August, 2023 – 02:00 (UK)
Where is Spain vs Netherlands taking place? Spain vs Netherlands will take place at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Spain vs Netherlands? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Spain vs Netherlands
What channel is Spain vs Netherlands on in the UK? Spain vs Netherlands will be televised live on ITV1
Where can I stream Spain vs Netherlands in the UK? Spain vs Netherlands can be streamed on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
SPAIN
- Spain booked their place in the quarter-final in emphatic style, despite being initially pegged back by Switzerland after taking the lead early on, as Alba Redondo added a second goal just over five minutes later before ‘La Roja’ pulled away to ultimately triumph 1-5.
- The biggest debate regarding Spain’s starting line-up is regarding who starts in goal, following Jorge Vilda’s surprise decision to drop Misa Rodriguez, the starting goalkeeper in all three group games and hand 22-year-old Cata Coll her international debut in the Round of 16.
NETHERLANDS
- After opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes against South Africa in the Round of 16, Netherlands’s quarter-final spot was never really in huge after that, Andries Jonker’s side dominating possession and eventually sealing a two-goal win in the second half.
- Key to Netherlands success will no doubt be midfielder Jill Roord, who has now scored in three consecutive Women’s World Cup matches (a feat never achieved before by a Dutch player) and boasts four goals across the tournament.
THE TEAM NEWS
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Coll; Hernandez, Paredes, Andres, Batlle; Bonmati, Abelleira, Putellas; Redondo, Jenni Hermoso, Paralluelo
UNAVAILABLE: Garcia (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Andres (Injured)
NETHERLANDS
PREDICTED XI (3-1-4-2): Van Domselaar; Spitse, Van der Gragt, Janssen; Groenen; Pelova, Brugts, Roord, Van de Donk; Beerensteyn, Martens
UNAVAILABLE: Miedema (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- These two teams have met ten times previously with Spain having the edge in their head-to-head record with five wins to two. Each of their last three encounters were won by Spain without conceding a goal.
- Spain are aiming to reach their second major tournament semi-final. The only previous time they reached the last four in a major tournament was in the UEFA Women’s European Championship in 1997 when they lost 2-1 against Italy.
- Spain’s next goal in the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be their 20th. They have scored a total of 13 goals in this edition of the tournament.
- Spain’s 5-1 victory against Switzerland was their first win against a European team in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their only previous such fixture was a 1-0 defeat against Germany in the group stage in 2019.
- Aitana Bonmati's goal in the fifth minute against Switzerland is Spain's earliest ever goal scored in FIFA Women's World Cup history. The previous fastest was Teresa Abelleira against Zambia in 2023 and Jennifer Hermoso in 2019 against the USA, with both coming in the ninth minute.
- The Netherlands have won nine and drawn one of their last 11 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (W9 D1 L1).
- The Netherlands have won their previous three FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against European opposition without conceding a goal.
- The Netherlands have kept five clean sheets in their last seven FIFA Women’s World Cup matches,
- The Netherlands have opened the scoring inside of the opening 17 minutes in each of their previous four matches at the 2023 finals.
THE PREDICTION
A mouth-watering clash between two European heavyweights, this has all the makings of a cracking battle. Spain are packed full of offensive class and flamboyancy, but in Netherlands they face a formidable defence who have conceded just one goal all tournament so far, that coming against United States. It may be the case that Spain look to temper their ultra-attacking style of play, knowing the threat that Netherlands themselves pose going forward and the potential consequences of giving away a lead vs such a strong unit. With that in mind, this is likely to prove a real war of attrition with Spain expected to dominate the possession stats, but Netherlands waiting patiently for an opportunity to strike. It would be no surprise if extra time and even penalties were needed to separate these two nations, so back the draw in 90 minutes.
TIP: DRAW
