I posted this on another thread, but the odds site 538, which is pretty sophisticated, rates The Netherlands as a major favorite in this match--79 percent. The Dutch are the most likely team to make the semifinal, based on that number, in its view. I feel like Italy won't pose as many problems as Japan--and apparently 538 feels the same! Fingers crossed that their odds are accurate.
Lieke on home trainer with visible pain on her face this morning. The injury was caused by a team mate who stept on nher foot while celebrating. Not good, but still two days to go. Lieke Martens beperkte zich op de training tot enkele oefeningen op de hometrainer. © ANP
Norway looked tired today, and I read that they haven't rotated their squad. Neither has The Netherlands and Italy. Will fatigue become a problem? I guess we'll find out just how fit this team is!
same lineup, but at least Martens is fit to play Italy vs. Netherlands - 29 June 2019 - Women Soccerway
0-0 halftime, Holland not going often enough with their long, high balls, is a surprise to me. Their having a hard time as well bringing up the ball on the left(so please, high ball it!)
Excellent conditioning help the Dutch dominate the 2nd half over an tired & frustrated Italy for a 2-0 win. Now on to the semis!
How does the Netherlands match up vs Germany or Sweden? Thought the Netherlands had a good second half but seem to depend on set pieces for their scoring.
well the Dutch were conditioned phenomenal. We got to see first who their playing, but if it's against the fav Germans, I would fancy their chances more cuz they'll be able to long ball/counter them as compared to Italy who were so much more defensive. btw...........the Dutch qualify for the Olympics!
I think next match Beerensteyn starts over van der Sanden, who has been completely ineffective, no use of her speed, hardly beating players in one to one, hardly any ball in the box passed well/usefull.
Could happen. I noticed that Beerensteyn was subbed in even earlier today. One way or another we'll see both in the next match. The Dutch get three hours extra rest, too!
That's what it looks like. I'm all for starting Beerensteyn and bringing Van de Sanden in late if needed. The Dutch are playing Sweden, who are shock but well-deserved winners over Germany. The Netherlands centerbacks best be ready to face a lot of long balls to Sweden's speedy forwards. I'm confident they'll be better than Germany's were today!
Sweden's forwards will definitely present a difficult test. I will say though that the Dutch center backs have been largely fine when you look at their play from a purely defensive standpoint. However, when they've been on the ball, I'm often enough not entirely sure what will happen.
They’re doing it again! This time at the World Cup. What a glorious people. pic.twitter.com/JE7zqnDdhX— Pepijn Bergsen (@pbergsen) June 29, 2019
Scary moment.Incident kept out of registration by tv cameras: Italian fan after the whistle stormed at Veenendaal: Sari van Veenendaal schrikt op het moment dat er na de wedstrijd een supporter het veld op komt gerend. © REUTERS © Getty Images © BSR Agency © REUTERS © REUTERS © Getty Images
I question the lunatic being identified as an "Italian fan", unless there was something more than targeting Van Veneedaal giving this label to him.
I was hoping it be Germany cuz they got a habit of pulling their backline way up, Sweden be another bunker & counter squad spearheaded by the world's fastest woso player in Jakobsson. Good partbis that one of their other fwds, Rolfo, is yelllow carded out for the semi The excellent conditioning is really working again for this squad, hopefully it can prevail till the finals where the Dutch can play more to it;s strength, high balling it over high back lines(like the US & England) instead of the bunkering Swedes
This was unexpectedly classless. Not very funny. Also, garlic sausages aren't what I would define as the typical italian food.
They are delicious, but unfortunately everybody knows you've eaten them. But okay, it's not ment to be insulting so if it comes over that way I apoligise for it. Anyway, I guess he was arrested and then his identity is being noted.
He was on an match between Italy and Netherlands, seemed fanatic about it and was not wearing organge. Isn't that enough?
Sweden's style of play will be a challenge. How can the Dutch draw them out? Well, it would be nice to score an early goal--that would help! Otherwise, what? I guess The Netherlands could sit back a little themselves and let the Swedes come forward. That's what I'd try to do--but Wiegman may try to press them more. The Dutch will have to be careful not to get too aggressive, and the centerbacks will have to play conservatively. I think Van Dongen will stay close to home and support the centerbacks, especially as she's not very attack-minded most of the time anyway. I remember Hope Solo calling the Swedes "cowards" after they defeated the USA in the Olympics after penalty kicks. Solo was right, of course--bunkering when you've got the players to be more open--is cowardly. Solo got into a fair bit of trouble for the comment!
Miedema about the Italy match kind of apologised for how it looked like, but she gave a hint about it being deliberately done so (as I was hoping with my call to not press like against Japan) telling it was tough (in the heat) but if they went full out in the first half they would be done in the second, but now they had enough energy left to get things done.