Spain vs. Netherlands live updates: Scoreless in second half

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues Thursday (on FOX and the FOX Sports app) with Spain taking on the Netherlands in the opening quarterfinal game at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.

Spain and the Netherlands checked in at Nos. 3 and No. 2, respectively, in our latest World Cup power rankings. Thursday’s match features three Golden Boot favorites — Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo, along with the Netherland’s Jill Roord — while Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is on the short list for this year’s Golden Glove award.

Spain is led by 25-year-old captain Aitana Bonmatí, who has a point to prove in this tournament en route to cementing herself as the best women’s player in the world.

The Netherlands will be without star midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk, who has been ruled out of the quarterfinals after picking up her second yellow card of the tournament in the knockouts versus South Africa. If players received two yellow cards during two different matches before this round, they were automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match.

Follow our live coverage below!

Spain vs. Netherlands

73′: Entry still a no-go

Teresa Abilleira got off a contested shot for Spain, but Daphne Van Domselaar hauled in the attempt for the Netherlands.

64′: Right call?

Spain defender Irene Paredes Hernandez appeared to shove Netherlands forward Lineth Enid Fabienne Beerensteyn in the back, as the latter was going for a shot attempt, but a VAR review determined that there was no penalty.

46′: Woah!

Esther Gonzalez almost scored just seconds into the second half for Spain.

HALFTIME: No score

Spain controlled the pace in the first half, getting off 11 shots (three on goal), compared to just one for the Netherlands.

45+3′: Another almost

Ona Batlle’s shot went a little north of the net for Spain.

42′: Another denial

Esther Gonzalez got off another shot for Spain, but goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar came up with another save for the Netherlands.

38′: Spain goal called off

Esther Gonzalez appeared to score the first goal of the game for Spain off a pass from Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer, but a VAR check determined that she was offside.

34′: First yellow card

Spain defender Oihane Hernandez was given the first yellow card of the match.

34′: Not happening

Oihane Hernandez got off a shot from the right side for Spain, but Dutch goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar caught the attempt.

28′: A good attempt

Esmee Virginia Brugts got off a shot from the left side of the net that came hooking back to the left, but it was still a little wide for the Netherlands.

22′: Shot absorbed

Esther Gonzalez got off a screaming shot for Spain, but it was denied by the Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar.

17′: The post says no — twice

Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer’s header went off the left post and then her shot off the ricochet also went off the post. Aitana Bonmati Conca then attempted a shot that went over the net, as Spain continued to force the issue.