ESP v NED 1-8 (0-4)
Kelly Jonker and Caia Maasakker each picked up a brace in the Netherland’s 8-1 demolition job over a brave but comprehensively outplayed Spain. The result leaves the Netherlands with 17 goals after two games, firmly at the top of the table. In the next match Spain face Poland and Belgium will have the task of challenging the dominance next door neighbours. The sole goal for Berta Bonastre will be scant solace in a game where Netherlands enjoyed more than 80 per cent of the possession.
It took Netherlands just 10 minutes to discover their scoring ways in their match against Spain. Carlien Dirkse van der Heuvel was able to pick up the ball as it rebounded from goalkeeper Maria Ruiz, and power the ball home from the edge of the circle.
Lidewij Welten came close to extending that lead a few minutes later when she narrowly failed to connect with a cross from Laura Nunnink, and Naomi van As made a rare erratic shot that fizzed wide of Ruiz’s post.
The second quarter saw the Netherlands press to extend their lead, Willemijn Bos had a penalty corner saved by Ruiz but the ‘keeper was unable to keep out Kelly Jonker (22′) as she scrambled a ball over the line.
Jonker was involved again when she created space for Ellen Hoog to fire in a shot. The FIH Player of the Year was on target, but teammate Marloes Keetels (24′) added a last touch to make sure of the goal.
On the stroke of half-time, Eva de Goede made it 4-0 when a ball feel fortuitously at her feet after a mis-played penalty corner routine. The striker saw her shot roll over the line, just out of reach of the despairing reach of Ruiz.
The second half continued in much the same vein, the Netherlands piled on steady pressure and were rewarded when first Naomi van As (31′), then Jonker (34′) for her second of the game, and then Caia van Maasakker (38′) all scored. The first two goals from open play, the third a penalty corner.
Maartje Paumen was denied when Xante Gine cleared a ball from the line as it was flying into the top corner and this gave the Spanish a momentary respite as they ventured into the Netherlands half for the final two minutes of the quarter.
The final quarter was all about damage limitation for Spain, for who goal difference could play a part in deciding places later in the tournament. Spanish pressure was rewarded by a penalty corner, and although Gloria Comerma’s shot had power, it flew wide of the Dutch goal.
Maasakker (50′) scored her second after replacement goalkeeper, Maria Lopez made the initial save and Rocio Gutierrez had saved off the line. Maasakker was on hand to fire the rebound under the diving Lopez.
The gloom over the Spanish camp lifted briefly when Berta Bonastre (57′) tipped the ball past Joyce Sombroek in the Netherlands goal.
“This was another good performance,” said Sombroek after the game. “But, the way we stay at the top is to keep critical and look for ways to do things better. For example, yesterday against Poland we could play expansive hockey as they defended deep, today we had to adjust to Spain defending higher up the pitch.”
“What is there to say?” asked Rocio Ybarra. “They are number one and they are head and shoulders above the rest. We will keep learning, improving and trying to close the gap between us and the teams ahead of us. For us, this is a long-term ambition.”
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