PRE MATCH | Spain cradles its World Cup dream in the early hours
It was the color oranje that the players of the National Team encountered in 2010 in their first World Cup final, and thirteen years later, the Dutch will stand as opponents in the match that could make history.
This sleepless Friday, no one in Spain will be asleep when the clocks strike 3 in the morning on the Peninsula. It's time to dream at that moment when, with La1 from TVE live and this official medium providing minute-by-minute coverage, our first World Cup quarter-final elimination match will kick off.
The match can be followed live from 3:00 AM (Spanish Peninsula time) on La 1 of TVE and will be extensively covered with minute-by-minute updates through this official medium.
The reigning runner-up, the Netherlands, is the steep mountain to climb in a duel that is expected to be balanced in alternatives and similar in styles. Both the teams of Andries Jonker and Jorge Vilda champion offensive play and a taste for dominance with the ball.
The Dutch side arrives with the notable absence of Daniëlle van de Donk due to suspension, but with a strong defensive record of conceding only one goal so far in the tournament. Their goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar, is full of confidence after being awarded the best player in the Round of 16 against South Africa.
If Spain wins, they would compete on Tuesday against Japan or Sweden for a spot in the World Cup final.
The finishing prowess of Jill Roord, the appearances from the second line by Lineth Beerensteyn, and the creative work of a revamped Lieke Martens are other threats posed by the Dutch against a Spain that once again has all 23 players available, following the recovery of captain Ivana Andrés.
Click here to listen to the statements from coach Jorge Vilda and captain Ivana Andrés in the pre match press conference.
No one comes into this match having scored as many goals as the National Team did in their Round of 16 clash. The team's morale and enthusiasm are high as they face a rival they have defeated in all three previous encounters under the leadership of Jorge Vilda.
Past records, statistics, and good vibes fuel hope in a match to be officiated by French referee Stéphanie Frappart, with her compatriots Manuela Nicolosi and Elodie Coppola as assistant referees, ready to start the clash at the Regional Stadium in Wellington.
The match will be overseen by French referee Stéphanie Frappart, with her compatriots Manuela Nicolosi and Elodie Coppola as assistant referees.
It will be a Friday afternoon to remember in New Zealand, a balmy summer night in Spain. This exceptional group of players aims to continue making dreams come true.
