The defeat meant China PR failed to make the quarter-finals, with their campaign ending with just one point while the Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals in style.
The Netherlands recorded a 8-2 triumph against China in their final Group F tie on Tuesday. The defeat means that China PR have failed to make the quarter-finals. The Asian side’s campaign ended with just one point, while the Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals in style. The European outfit topped the group on seven points, finishing ahead of Brazil on goal difference. China PR started the match brightly with Wang Shanshan pulling her long-range effort just wide in the third minute. The enthusiasm was understandable considering the fact that the nation was chasing its first win of the competition.
The Netherlands were calm under the early pressure and opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup runners-up were spearheaded by a surging Jackie Groenen who sent a pinpoint cross to Shanice van de Sanden, who scored with a clinical finish. China PR tried to claw their way back into the game. They should have done better in the 26th minute when Zhang Xin and Xiao Yuyi both failed to find the target from above the box.
However, Jia Xiuquan’s warriors managed to crack open the Netherlands’ resistance two minutes later, after Wang Shuang charged her way into the box. Wang proceeded to thread an excellent pass to Wang Shanshan who slotted home the equaliser. The Netherlands however maintained the pressure, restoring the advantage in the 37th minute through Lineth Beerensteyn’s sublime finish off Dominique Janssen’s pass. This was soon followed by the European side scoring their third goal through Beerensteyn’s close-range effort following Shanice van de Sanden’s cross to lead 3-1 going into the break.
The second half witnessed similar dominance from the Netherlands, who scored their fourth goal two minutes into restart through Lieke Martens. Lieke further turned provider in the 65th minute, setting up the fifth goal for Vivianne Miedema. While China PR hit back in the 69th minute through a goal by Wang Yanwen, the Netherlands never stopped attacking sealing an emphatic win beautifully.
Japan defeated Chile 1-0 to book a spot in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football tournament quarter-finals. The hosts joined Australia in advancing as the two best third-placed teams, following defeats for China PR and Zambia in their respective Group F matches. Japan will face Group G winner Sweden in Friday’s quarter-finals. The 2012 London Olympics silver medalists were severely tested by a strong Chile defence, which will certainly provide some strong lessons going into the knockouts.
Brazil recorded a 1-0 win against Zambia, with Canada held to a 1-1 draw in the encounter against Great Britain. The clash between United States and Australia ended with a 0-0 scoreline, with Sweden pulling off a 2-0 win against New Zealand.
The semi-finals are on August 2 with the bronze playoff three days later and the final the next day. It will be quite interesting to note the team that manages to emerge victorious in an intensely fought tournament through thick and thin.