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Netherlands, Sweden survive scares to close on Women's Euro quarters
CGTN
Dutch players celebrate during their Women's Euro clash with Portugal at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England, July 13, 2022. /CFP

Dutch players celebrate during their Women's Euro clash with Portugal at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England, July 13, 2022. /CFP

The Netherlands held off a stirring fightback by Portugal to close in on a place in the Euro 2022 quarterfinals with a 3-2 win, while Sweden struck late to beat Switzerland 2-1 on Wednesday.

The Dutch were without star striker Vivianne Miedema due to a positive case of coronavirus, but got off to a flying start in Leigh as Damaris Egurrola and Stefanie van der Gragt struck inside the first 16 minutes.

Portugal would not even be at the tournament had it not been for Russia's expulsion due to their "special military operation" in Ukraine, but for the second time in as many games they bounced back from a 2-0 deficit.

Carole Costa's penalty reduced the arrears before half-time and Diana Silva's thumping header leveled two minutes into the second half.

The Netherlands thought they had immediately struck back when Jill Roord's goal was ruled out by a VAR check for offside.

But Mark Parsons' side did dig themselves out of trouble just after the hour mark when Danielle van de Donk's stunning strike from outside the box arrowed into the top corner.

Diana Silva of Portugal (L) is challenged by Lynn Wilms of Netherlands (R) during their Women's Euro clash at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England, July 13, 2022. /CFP

Diana Silva of Portugal (L) is challenged by Lynn Wilms of Netherlands (R) during their Women's Euro clash at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England, July 13, 2022. /CFP

Victory takes the Netherlands top of Group C, level on four points with the Swedes, with both sides just needing a point from their final group game to progress.

Ranked second in the world, Sweden were among the pre-tournament favorites but have so far struggled to hit top gear in England.

After a 1-1 draw to open their campaign against the Netherlands, the Olympic silver medalists were expected to roll over a Swiss side ranked 20th in the world.

Switzerland's preparations had also been rocked by a sickness bug in the camp that forced them to cancel training on Monday.

But they frustrated Peter Gerhardsson's women for 53 minutes at Bramall Lane before Barcelona's Fridolina Rolfo finished off an excellent team move.

Switzerland players react after scoring the first goal during their Women's Euro clash with Sweden at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield, England, July 13 2022. /CFP

Switzerland players react after scoring the first goal during their Women's Euro clash with Sweden at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield, England, July 13 2022. /CFP

Switzerland hit back within two minutes through a fine finish by Paris Saint-Germain's Ramona Bachmann.

Gerhardsson was forced to turn to his bench for inspiration and it was one of his subs, Hanna Bennison, who scored the winner, with her first international goal 11 minutes from time.

"There are many things we can do better but right now I'm just very happy that we won the match and are in a good position to take us beyond the group stage," said Gerhardsson.

Switzerland and Portugal now need to win in the final games of Group C on Sunday to have any chance of advancing into the last eight.

Source(s): AFP

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