Before this World Cup neither the Netherlands nor Italy had advanced past the first game in the knockout round. That was until today when both teams were able to win their games and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
Italy had not been to a Women’s World Cup since 1999. That 20 year drought would make it seem that Italy was just happy to be back and a team not thought of as a top team in the world. But their first place finish in Group C over favorites Australia and Brazil proved they are a team that opponents need to be concerned about.
Even with a successful group play campaign they still had to defeat a talented China team. China who is the most penalized team with fouls was going to disrupt the play of a very fluid Italian team. Early on in the game it seemed like China was able to get the best of Italy and control the pace. But a little bit of patience and weathering the storm benefited Italy.
A tough defense was hard for the Italians to break through but a persistent Valentina Giacinti for Italy was able to get the offense going. She created a turnover in China’s defensive half and then crossed the ball in for her teammates to score. The ball kept getting knocked around and eventually rolled back to Giacinti in the middle of the box. She went fearlessly at the ball and launched it into the net.
China was able to create a few chances of their own throughout the game, but Italy’s high level defense proved to be too much. Italy has only conceded two goals all tournament and both have been off penalty kicks.
Italy was able to double their lead and give themselves some breathing room. In the 49th minute of play Italy caused China to turn the ball over again in their defensive half. This time Italy passed the ball just one time to a wide open Aurora Galli at the top of the box. She shot the ball into the lower left corner of the goal giving Italy the 2-0 lead.
The lead would be enough to propel Italy into the quarterfinals and celebrate a feat they have never conquered before. A few of the players were understandably emotional after the game. And some of that can be attributed to not only their historic run on the field, but the history they are making with equality in Italy.
When asked about the impact the team is having on soccer and in Italy Milena Bertolini, the head coach, mentioned the players playing for a purpose and wanting to change Italian culture. She said, “I really believe that this Italian women’s side has allowed the women’s game to break new ground back home. We can see that from the viewing figures, from what we’re seeing in the press, and from all the messages of those back home who are writing to us… This team with what they’re producing on the pitch they are able to break down some of those prejudices and barriers and they are enacting change and that is the mission that the girls feel they have in France.”
The Netherlands were able to create some history of their own by beating Japan 2-1. Japan had been in the World Cup final for the past two tournaments and actually beat the Netherlands in 2015. They are the second youngest team at the World Cup this year and their inexperience was not enough to beat a tough Dutch side.
The Netherlands were able to get on the scoresheet first with their goal in the 17th minute. They had lined up for a corner kick with Sherida Spitse taking it on the left side. She played a ball right to the corner of the 6-yard box where Lieke Martens was positioned perfectly. Martens had a beautiful finish hitting the ball with her back heel and nutmegging a Japanese defender scoring an impressive goal.
Before the first half was over Japan was able to to convert a goal of their own. Known for their buildup and great tactical passes Japan was able to score from short quick passes. Mana Iwabuchi sent a through ball to Yui Hasegawa who then chipped the ball into the net tying the game up.
Japan appeared to dominate play in the second half and possessed the ball the majority of the time. But possession does not always dictate who wins and Japan not being able to finish in the final third was their downfall.
The game was nearing its end still tied at 1-1 and fans were thinking this game was going to extra time, it felt like the game deserved to go to extra time. However, while Saki Kumagai was trying to block a shot in Japan’s defensive box her arm got in the way and a penalty was issued for the Netherlands in the 89th minute. Lieke Martens stepped to take the penalty and earn herself a brace for the game. She kicked the ball into the right corner of the goal while the Japanese goalie dove the other way. The goal would put the game out of reach for Japan and allow the Netherlands to advance.
Even though the Netherlands have made the quarterfinals for the first time in their history the team is still a favorite to make the finals. When asked about the historic run Martens commented, “The history that we have made, we are really proud of that, but we’re not done yet here. We’re really looking forward to the next game and we hope we can surprise more.”
The Netherlands next game will be against Italy and whoever wins that game will make more history with their first trip to the semifinals. With both of these teams qualifying seven of the eight teams in the quarterfinals are from Europe with the lone non-European team being the United States.
Italy and the Netherlands will play Saturday at 9:00 am ET on FS1.