Quickfire Netherlands ahead of Scotland
Saturday, October 25, 2014
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Scotland 1-2 Netherlands
Two early goals gave the Netherlands victory in the first leg of the play-off but Kim Little revived Scotland's hopes.
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The Netherlands will take a 2-1 lead into Thursday's FIFA Women's World Cup play-off semi-final with Scotland thanks to two early goals in Edinburgh
Lieke Martens's tenth-minute strike was added to by a Manon Melis penalty, but Kim Little converted a spot-kick of her own as Scotland improved in the second half. The return is in Rotterdam on Thursday.
Both teams are aiming for a first World Cup finals and the visitors struck first as Lieke Martens finished from close range after Gemma Fay pushed away a Vivianne Miedema shot. Miedema, along with Jane Ross among four players on a qualification-best 13 goals, also made the second as she was brought down in the box by Frankie Brown on 23 minutes and Manon Melis powerfully beat Fay to her right.
Scotland had been flat in the first half but four minutes into the second had a lifeline when Stephanie van der Gragt handled in the area and Little converted a penalty very similar to that of Melis. The home side had the better of the chances, Jennifer Beattie twice heading just wide, but in added time Melis hit the inside of the post on the counterattack.
Reaction:
Roger Reijners, Netherlands coach
Our team did well in the first half. At half-time I told my players to keep control, like in the first half. We tried to do that but Scotland played better in the second half and had more good positions up front with Lisa Evans, Kim Little and Jane Ross and caused us some problems. [2-1] is a good score in an away game and that gives us confidence for the game on Thursday, but it will be tough just like today.
Gemma Fay, Scotland goalkeeper
I was disappointed with the opening 20 to 25 minutes and we didn't really deal with the threat and it really cost us. Later in the first half we really got into the game and we played some of the stuff we know we can. We knew we had to come out in the second half and get whatever we can. We got one, we wanted two, three, four but we didn't get that. It's half-time in the tie and we enjoy playing away from home so all to play for.
