The moment has arrived for the truth to surface. This is the toughest challenge Red has faced in years. It’s a chance to keep writing history, and it doesn’t end there. The World Cup quarterfinals bring Spain against the Netherlands, a clash that could have doubled as a final if fate hadn’t stepped in for both teams. One squad pushing to land the knockout punch at a table where the other sits second in the world. Above all, this is a match that promises to be a showcase.
Relating to
- Jorge Vilda: “I wouldn’t trade any of my twenty-three players for anyone”
- Darts from Beerensteyn to the USA: “You should talk less and do more on the pitch”
- Rubiales optimistic for quarterfinals
A great deal has changed since the Netherlands lifted silver at the last World Cup in 2019. They arrived at the tournament as European champions in 2017, with Lieke Martens predicted to be the next global star. The Dutch team captured gold again in a journey that fell just short of the world crown with a 2-0 final loss to the United States. That silver carried immense pride, a source of national honor. The Oranje reached the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals in 2021, a campaign shadowed by Covid disruptions and a controversial exit to the USA in penalties. Between 2017 and 2021, head coach Sarina Wiegman shifted the team’s stage and changed the country’s footballing direction, culminating in an European Championship triumph the following year with England.
calm after storm
After Wiegman’s departure, the Netherlands entered a period of uncertainty and a quieter, grayer phase marked by an internal crisis. That turmoil prompted a coaching change. Mark Parsons, who had followed Wiegman, stepped aside after the team’s mixed impression at the last European Championship, where they still reached the quarterfinals. Andries Jonker stepped in, quietly assembling a version of the squad that blends seasoned regulars with bright young talents.
They began the World Cup with more questions than certainties, improving as the tournament progressed. They topped Group G with two 1-0 wins against Portugal, a 7-0 victory over Vietnam, and a 1-1 draw with the United States. In the knockout stage, they faced South Africa, an unexpected contender, and won 2-0 with goals from Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn. The win hinged on an inspired performance from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who earned MVP honors for her decisive saves.
triple threat
Advancing through the rounds proved demanding, and the Dutch defense showed vulnerabilities at times. Yet Jill Roord emerged as a standout, becoming one of the tournament’s most influential figures. She sits among the tournament’s top scorers, tied with players like Popp and Diani, just a few goals behind Hinata Miyazawa, who remains one of Jonker’s key weapons.
The Dutch head coach relies on Lieke Martens, whose form had a renaissance after a difficult spell at PSG, and the pace and voltage of young Esmée Brugts, born in 2003 and considered one of the sport’s most exciting prospects. After defeating Switzerland, the Dutch prepared to face Spain with cautious optimism and respect for the opponent. To prevail, they would need to strengthen the midfield’s balance, where the Dutch have shown depth, and translate training ground work into match-day execution.