Spain’s women will have a third shot at the Olympic title on Saturday, as they beat the Netherlands in a magnificent match. They were flying high in the first half but the Dutch came back from five goals down to force a shootout where a single save sent the Spaniards to the final. It’s going to be different than their previous final appearances in 2012 and 2021, as this time they face Australia who ousted the title-holder Americans, also in a shootout.
Spain and the Netherlands produced another thrilling contest, arguably the best one in recent years. Their match had a massive 28 goals, and a penalty shootout to match the drama.
The Spaniards took a dream start – storming to a 3-0 lead and scoring goals from all possible angles as they took a 6-1 lead. The Dutch gained some ground in the second quarter, as they came back to make it 4-7. Two quick hits then reset the five-goal gap and Spain led 10-5 at halftime.
The European champions weren’t done, though, as they staged an outstanding surge at the beginning of the third. In less than three minutes, the Dutch went 3 for 3 in woman-ups, and Ten Broek’s sensational lob narrowed the gap to a single goal at 9-10. Judith Forca halted this rush with a fierce shot from an extra but van der Kraats was on fire. Ten Broek was also in good form as she landed another one from action to complete the Dutch comeback to make it 11-11 in the third – this time they won the period 6-1.
After this, the fourth turned into a thriller. After four minutes of intense defending, Rogge put the Netherlands ahead for the first time in the match. Forca’s left was lethal again in a 6 on 5 for 12-12, Joustra buried the Dutch woman-up but Ruiz managed to send the ball home from a second attempt in an extra for 13-13, with 2:13 on the clock. It was an all-in effort from both sides and a defensive mistake offered some free space for Maica Garcia which was a gift for Spain’s legendary centre-forward as she scored 30 seconds from time. The Dutch went for a 7 on 6 after a time-out and it worked, a nice setup found Sleeking on the 2m line and she made no mistake with 0:07 to go. After 14-14, it was shootout time and all penalties were converted in the first four rounds. Spain changed its goalie and Martina Terre made the decisive save on Sleeking’s shot, while Garcia won the match for the second time to her team.
Spain lost both of the aforementioned Olympic finals – both to the big US team. This time it’s going to be different, as Australia ended the Americans’ winning streak in the knockout stage. After clearing all hurdles in the last three editions, the US was almost beaten by the Hungarians in the quarters but they finally fell in the semis. The Aussies fought themselves back from 2-5, forced a shootout, and just like in the first semi, a save in the final round decided the outcome. (Fun fact: never before has the Olympic semis ended in shootouts in the women’s tournament – now both went to penalties.)
In the crossovers, Italy downed Canada with ease and will clash with Hungary for 5th place. The Magyars found a lot more motivation against the Greeks – after coming back from 1-4 in the second period, Rita Keszthelyi hit four goals (including her 50th at the Olympics) to secure a fine consolating win for her team after the heartbreaking loss to the US.
Women’s tournament – semi-finals
Netherlands v Spain 14-14, pen: 4-5; Australia v United States 8-8, pen: 5-4
Crossovers: Italy v Canada 10-5, Greece v Hungary 9-12
