NOS Football••Edited
The Orange under-20 footballers failed to win a bronze medal at the World Cup in Costa Rica. In the battle for third place, Brazil was a strong 4-1 winner for national coach Jessica Dorney’s side.
The Brazilians quickly took the lead despite the Orange having their first chance, Lis Rijsbergen narrowly heading in a cross from Tonik Noordmann.
After a delicate attack, the ball fell to the feet of Bruninha, who delivered a high cross. Kim Everards misjudged a cross, after which the up-and-coming Ana Clara was able to easily intervene.
Brazil, still crowned champions of South America in April, were the dominant side for a while afterwards, but the Orange fought back.
The Netherlands deservedly equalized shortly after as Brazil came under considerable pressure.
Everards compensated by placing the ball perfectly behind the defence. Rosa van Gool was the receiver after a strong run and she neatly headed the ball past keeper Gabi Barbieri to make it 1-1.
Algemade stops the penalty kick
The Netherlands looked to be behind again moments later when Dana Foderer took a hand in his own penalty area. However, Orange keeper Lizon Alkemate stopped the penalty awarded after Tarzion’s modest effort.
Moments later, the Orange were awarded a penalty after a handball on Bruninha, but the treat was canceled after VAR’s intervention. The two teams then held each other level and the score was 1-1 on the board at the break.
In the second half, the Netherlands and Brazil were still even, but again Brazil took the lead.
A free kick from Rafa Lewis was headed onto the crossbar by Lauren, and then Tarzian converted his missed penalty with a bicycle kick to make it 1-2.
Another penalty kick
Not much happened after the long defender’s goal. A Zera Hulswit shot made the Orange more dangerous in the second half and they had to concede a goal from Tarciane with ten minutes to go.
Everards were penalized by the moderate whistle referee for a very minor infringement and again the ball hit the spot. This time Alchemade couldn’t save the Orange and he was sent into the wrong corner by Tarzian for 1-3.
The Netherlands tried to slow down the final attack, but to no avail. Substitute G Fernandez made it 1-4 after a smooth breakout.
Big compliment
“A great match to watch, it could go either way. In the end we’re drawing the short straw”, was Torney’s sober conclusion.
“This team has outdone itself. We didn’t have those high expectations, but to see how this team has grown in this tournament is a huge compliment and it’s a shame not to reward yourself with a medal.”
Later today (04:00) Spain and Japan meet in the World Cup final.