Netherlands Advance To World Cup Finals

T. James

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The Netherlands Women’s National Team advance to the finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Sweden in extra-time in the second semi-final match-up. This will be the Netherlands’ first ever trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final and it comes in just the team’s second appearance in the competition.

This encounter, also the Netherland’s first appearance in a FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final, played at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, was a match-up between two of the best teams in Europe. Living up to that billing, both sides battled to a goalless draw in regulation, before the Netherlands snatched victory through a goal by Jackie Groenen in the first half of extra-time.

Netherlands goalkeeper, Sari Van Veenendaal, had an excellent performance, stopping Sweden’s attempts on her goal on five different occasions while keeping her team in the game until their breakthrough goal arrived after regulation.

Arguably, Van Veenendaal’s best save of the night came in the 56th minute when she reacted quickly to deflect Nilla Fischer’s powerful low strike onto her right goal post and to safety.

The Netherlands women rattled Sweden’s framework as well in the second half of play. Forward, Vivianne Miedema, met teammate, Sherida Spitse’s corner-kick from the right with a powerful header towards goal. It took a quick reaction and great leap by Sweden’s goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl, to tip the ball onto the crossbar to prevent her side from falling behind. Lindahl had two other saves on the night.

Jackie Groenen fired the Netherlands ahead and into the finals in the 99th minute. She collected the ball outside the ball and then unleashed a powerful right-footed low shot past the diving Lindahl. The Netherlands team and fans in attendance erupted into celebration as the team made that huge stride towards securing their place in the finals through Groenen’s goal.

Netherlands now face the mighty United States Women’s National Team in the final game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Sunday for a chance to become the champions of the world. The United States had earlier defeated England in another close game to book their place in the finals. Sweden will hope for a consolatory third-place finish when they face England on Saturday.

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