The Netherlands raced past Paraguay 4-1 at Victoria’s Estadio Kleber Andrade on Sunday to become the first semi-finalists at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.
The European champions opened the scoring in the 30th minute through defender Ki-Jana Hoever, then doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Brazil 2019 leading goalscorer Sontje Hansen chipped over the sliding Angel Gonzalez.
Despite conceding in first-half stoppage time due to a defensive error, the Dutch kept their form through the second period.
They netted twice in the final 15 minutes to set up a semi-final date in Brasilia on November 14 against Mexico who later defeated Korea Republic 1-0.
Substitute Ali Avila’s leaping header lifted did the trick after 77 minutes of staunch defending from both sides.
The crucial moment started with Jose Ruiz’s right-footed cross from the byline that hung in the air, and Avila skied over his defender to redirect the ball into the far corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Shin Songhoon flat-footed. – FIFA.com
