Dutch recovery stuns Spain

The Netherlands' first ever match in a final tournament ended with a last-minute victory against Spain which could pave the way for a passage to the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-finals.

No fear
The Dutch advanced to this their maiden tournament as one of the three best runners-up but they did not let their inexperience hinder them against the Spanish, who opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Saray. Coach Corné Groenendijk had promised that his side would show no fear, and they eventually claimed a historic victory with second-half goals from substitute Esther Kant and Marjan Brouwer.

Delightful setting
The delightful Dr. Fritz Frölich-Stadion in Regis-Breitingen was the setting for a match which gripped the 1,277 spectators to the last. The Netherlands bossed the opening stage of the match yet failed to capitalise on their territorial dominance and allowed Spain to create the clearest chances. Ignacio Quereda's side had already seen two efforts blocked when Saray, the captain, cleverly lobbed Bianca van Dalum with a fine lofted shot.

Attacking trio
The Netherlands were never overawed, though, and in Brouwer, Lisanne Vermeulen and Kirsten van de Ven they had a trio of attacking players who always looked capable of restoring parity. Indeed it was Vermeulen whose vision almost created an opening for Manon Melis, only for Spain goalkeeper Lucia to race off her line to intercept it smartly.

Van de Ven pivotal
Van de Ven was increasingly pivotal in the second half, a display which was to earn the 18-year-old the player of the match award. But when the equalising goal did arrive, in the 71st minute, it was not from one of the attacking threats but midfield player Kant, who had replaced Vermeulen in the 66th minute. Kant created the goal herself, running confidently with the ball before dispatching it low past Lucia.

Wild celebrations
The last 20 minutes were even, with Spain edging it in terms of openings. They were to pay for their profligacy in the final minute when Brouwer reacted first to drill in a shot which had rebounded off the post to win the game for the Netherlands and cue wild celebrations among their party. The Dutch are next in action against Norway on Sunday, while Spain must get back on track against France.