The the Dutch Lionesses are unofficially certain of a place in the quarterfinals of the football tournament at the Olympic Games, but it is still the question who will be the opponent. Based on goal difference, the the Dutch currently leads in Group F. The group head plays in the quarterfinals against the number two from Group G, which could become the feared United States.
In the final game, the the Dutch squad will play against China, while Brazil will play against Zambia. If both superpowers win, which is to be expected, the goal difference will be decisive in the battle for group victory. The United States started the tournament with a surprising 3-0 loss against Sweden, but won 1-6 against New Zealand on Saturday. If the United States does not lose to Australia on Tuesday, ends Team USA probably in second place, because list leader Sweden is the big favorite to win in the final match against New Zealand.
The United States is the reigning world champion, after the won final against the the Dutch in 2019, and Wiegman hopes for a different opponent in the next round. “Of course that is in my head, because you would prefer to meet it later,” she acknowledged after the game against Brazil (3-3) in conversation with the General Newspaper. “There are a few very strong countries, but I think it’s too dangerous to calculate. Losing a game to avoid someone, we don’t do that.”
? #Tokyo2020 | It is not going well for the the Dutch Lionesses during the OS. And certainly not today, against Brazil. Nouwen opens the door wide in the back. ???????? #nedbra
Stream every unforgettable moment live on discovery+ pic.twitter.com/0XhetEX6Rw
— Eurosport Netherlands (@Eurosport_NL) July 24, 2021
Wiegman is not happy with the mistakes that led to goals against Brazil. Before the first goal against, the the Dutch defense was surprised by the Brazilian interplay, the second goal against came from a penalty kick caused by Stefanie van der Gragt and a careless back pass by Aniek Nouwen led to the third goal against. “That’s not nice, but we have to continue. It was an incredibly intense game against a good opponent.”
“We still have some time against China on Tuesday to dot the i’s”, says top scorer Vivianne Miedema, who scored twice after her previous four-hit against Zambia (3-10). “I’m glad we make those mistakes at the back now and not later. We also have to be realistic: Brazil is just a top country.”