Netherlands turn to their Spanish spies for Women’s WC clash

AFP, Wellington  :
The Netherlands have a “small book” on their Spanish opponents ahead of their quarter-final match of the Women’s World Cup today, having plumbed the knowledge of several players with extensive experience in Spain, Dutch Coach Andries Jonker said on Thursday.

Egurrola made one appearance for Spain in a friendly and was a regular in their youth teams, but the midfielder now plays for the Netherlands and is contention to start in Wellington.

Jonker and his coaching staff have also been briefed about what to expect from defender Merel van Dongen, who plays for Atletico Madrid, while Stefanie van der Gragt and Lieke Martens both had spells with Barcelona.

“We know everything about Spain. We have a small book about them,” Jonker said. “We spoke with our players, and of course Damaris, who knows a lot about Spain. Our scouting team did its job.

“I think they (Spain) won’t surprise us.”

The Netherlands reached the quarter-finals by beating South Africa 2-0 in the last 16, while Spain booked their place with a 5-1 thumping of Switzerland.

The Netherlands reached the final four years ago, losing 2-0 to the United States, but a fluid Spain team full of individual quality are slight favourites in Wellington.

“We have all the respect for Spain, for what they have achieved in the past, for the way they play, the way they intend to play,” said Jonker, whose side is efficient rather than effervescent.