The Spanish team secured a place in the U20 Women’s World Cup final with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands this Thursday, thanks to two goals from striker Inma Gabarro. The Costa Rica 2022 edition set the backdrop for a dramatic clash that highlighted Spain’s attacking precision and tactical discipline.
Gabarro stood out from the opening minutes, converting chances in the 22nd and 25th minutes as Spain pressed high and stifled the Dutch buildup. Rosa Van Gool briefly closed the gap at the 54th minute, but Spain held firm. With this win, Spain awaits the winner of the other semi final, which would decide the opponent in the final next Sunday: Brazil or the defending champions Japan. This result adds a new chapter to Spain’s progress in the tournament, reaffirming their status as contenders on the global stage.
From the opening whistle, Spain dictated the tempo at the National Stadium in San José, controlling the pace with a frontline featuring Paralluelo, Martínez, Gabarro and Elexpuru. Their pressure disrupted the Dutch exit and created consistent scoring opportunities, keeping the Dutch defense under constant strain.
The Netherlands adopted a counterattack approach, coming close early when Rijsbergen pierced through in the fifth minute, though her shot struck the woodwork. After that moment, Spain dominated the first half, with relentless flanking runs and threatening strikes from Salma Paralluelo and Ane Martínez. Yet it was Gabarro who tipped the balance, beating goalkeeper Alkemade after a defensive error by Van Diemen in the 22nd minute.
Just three minutes later, Gabarro doubled the lead with a spectacular finish from the edge of the box. The strike curved in and left the Dutch keeper motionless, and Gabarro climbed to the top of the tournament scoring charts with seven goals, cementing her status as the tournament’s leading scorer.
In the second half, the momentum shifted as Holland increased their attacking output through a dynamic trio of forwards — Rijsbergen, Henry and Hulswit — seeking a comeback. Rosa Van Gool found the back of the net with a remarkable goal from outside the box in the 54th minute, narrowing the deficit and injecting life into the Dutch side. Danique Noordman followed with a powerful strike in the 57th minute that narrowly missed the mark, testing Spain’s defense and goalkeeping.
Despite the renewed pressure, Spain found gaps in the Dutch defense and remained dangerous going forward, although Paralluelo was unable to convert on several late chances that could have extended the lead. The final scoreline reflected a hard-fought battle in which the Dutch faded as the match wore on and Spain’s defense held firm in the closing stages. The result left the Netherlands frustrated by missed opportunities and Spain buoyed by a strong defensive performance and clinical finishing.
Data sheet
2. Spain: Txell Font; Esther Laborde (Maite Zubieta, m. 68), Ana Tejada, Andrea Medina, Silvia Lloris; Ariadna Mingueza, Julia Bartel, Asun Martínez (Izarne Sarasola, art. 84); Salma Paralluelo (Ornella Vignola, m.84), Ane Elexpuru and Inma Gabarro (Mirari Uría, m.84).
Coach: Pedro Lopez.
1. Netherlands: Language Alkemade; Kim Everaerts, Samantha Van Diemen, Nina Nijstad, Senna Koeleman; Dana Foederer, Danique Noordman, Rosa Van Gool; Liz Rijsbergen, Ziva Henry (Shi-Jona Martina, m.85) and Zera Hulswit (Charlotte Hulst, m.69).
Coach: Jessica Torny.
judge: American Tory Penso. warned Bartel.
targets: 1-0, art.22: Gabarro. 2-0, art.25: Gabarro. 2-1, art.54: Van Gool.
Events: The semi-final match of the 2022 Women’s World Cup Under 20, held in Costa Rica, took place at the National Stadium in San José.