The Netherlands look to continue their promising start to World Cup life as they take on China, who were unlucky to lose out in their opening game.
The Leeuwinnen won on their debut outing with a slender 1-0 win over New Zealand, while a late Christine Sinclair penalty separated China and host nation Canada. Lieke Martens’ stunner was the difference for Holland as New Zealand’s hunt for a World Cup win goes on.
Both sides need a win, but for contrasting reasons - China need the three points to stay in the tournament, as should the Netherlands win and New Zealand pick up anything from their match with Canada, China are as good as out. The Netherlands, however, could possibly see themselves through with a victory.
It’s a good effort from a country that prior to this tournament, had never qualified for a World Cup, as the Netherlands women haven’t quite had the same good fortunes the men’s side have enjoyed over the years. China, however, have enjoyed moderate success at World Cup level, losing out in the final to the USA in 1999.
Last Time Out
China kicked off this year’s tournament as the opponents of home nation Canada. 53,000 watched as the hosts made a winning start thanks to an injury time penalty by Canadian star Sinclair. The striker coolly slotted home into the bottom-left corner to score her 154th goal on her 224th cap. The game looked like it was heading for a goalless draw as China did well to hold out the hosts, with the result perhaps being a little unfair on the 1999 runners-up.
There was something special about the Netherlands v New Zealand clash, as both sides were on the hunt for their first ever World Cup win. It was the Oranje’s debut outing at World Cup level, with the Ferns competing in their fourth. Holland took the lead on 33 minutes when Lieke Martens curled home a lovely goal, one which is mooted as an early goal of the tournament contender. New Zealand had a penalty appeal turned down late on and were dominant for most of the game, with Holland having ‘keeper Loes Guerts to thank as she kept them in the game.
Players To Look Out For
Ma Jun – China – Tonight’s game could be a cagey affair, with the biggest battle likely being in the midfield. The Daejeon Sportstoto midfielder has 80 caps and 15 goals to her name, she is a real force to be reckoned with, and could give the Dutch defence a lot of problems. Ever a goal threat, she could trouble right from the start.
Sherida Spitse – Netherlands – Spitse (above left) looked lively throughout the game with New Zealand and is a member of the Dutch 100 club, with 104 caps and 15 goals to her name. With prolific strikers such as Vivianne Miedema and Manon Melis up front for the Leeuwinnen, Spitse will be busy trying to provide the pair with the ball.
Last Starting XI’s
China: Wang, Wu, Zhao, Li, Liu, Tan, Ren, Wang, Li, Gu, Wang
Netherlands: Guerts, van Lunteren, van der Gragt, van den Berg, Hogewoning, Dekker, Spitse, Melis, van de Donk, Martens, Miedema
Prediction
With both sides being so defensive in their previous games, it’s likely we’ll see a lot of build-up play, with one of the two looking to counter attack, and with Holland’s firepower in the front, goals could come. This game may see the emergence of Miedema, barely utilized in the last game, she’ll be looking to make an impact, especially after the 18-year-old scored 16 goals in qualifying for the tournament. Holland will get their win. Score: 3-1 Netherlands.