Paris 2024 | Netherlands through to quarter-finals after beating Brazil

Netherlands became the second team after France to secure a quarter-final berth in the women’s competition. On Thursday, the Dutch team claimed their third win in four encounters, this time against Brazil, 31:24. 

PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES – PRELIMINARY ROUND
GROUP B
Netherlands vs Brazil 31:24 (17:13)

The match was very important for both sides, and the opening 15 minutes were extremely tight, as neither side could create even a two-goal advantage. Netherlands pulled in front more frequently, yet Brazil, led by Jessica Quintino and Samara Vieira, also were in the driver’s seat a couple of times.

But between the 15th and 18th minute, Netherlands enjoyed a 4:0 run, spurred by Yara ten Holte’s saves and Larisa Nusser’s goals, and took a 10:7 lead. Brazil responded with two straight goals from Patricia Matieli and Vieira, but the Europeans already gained momentum and continued to extend the gap, despite missing centre back Estavana Polman, who went out early with a finger injury in the first half..

Ten Holte recorded 10 saves in the first half for a 43% save rate, and overall, the Dutch defence worked well, restricting Brazil to a 50% shot efficiency before the break. Bruna De Paula made a few assists, but failed to score a single goal in the opening 30 minutes, while goalkeeper Gabriela Moreschi, so confident earlier in the tournament, stopped just two of 11 shots and was replaced by Renata de Arruda, who did not shine either.

So Netherlands’ four-goal lead at the interval looked well-deserved, but Brazil still harboured hopes for a comeback. Moreschi returned to their goal and did better now, and a number of her saves prevented the Dutch team from increasing the lead early in the second half, but the South Americans failed to do more.

Their line player Tamires Araujo Frossard conceded a red card, and the Europeans continued to firmly control the game. A few goals and assists from Lois Abbingh helped them create a six-goal gap at 25:19, and as ten Holte ended the match with 16 saves and a 40% saving rate, Netherlands went on to clinch a win. 

Brazil’s right back Gabriela Bitolo led her team’s attack in the second half and ultimately became the top scorer of the match with seven goals, but her effort was not enough. Netherlands did better as a team, as they had enough options in attack, with Bo van Wetering netting six times, and Abbingh, Angela Malestein and Dione Housheer adding five goals each. 

For the fifth-placed Brazil, who are on a three-match losing run, the last group game against Angola should now play a crucial role. However, in case both Angola and Hungary win their matches later today, the South Americans will lose any chances to progress.