The Netherlands, Greece, Spain and Hungary advanced to the semifinals of Women’s World Cup Final Eight that began in Chengdu (China) today.
The Netherlands outlasted Japan 24:16 in the quarterfinals, Greece overcame Italy 19:14, Spain defeated host China 15:8, and Hungary beat Australia 14:10.
The Netherlands will face Greece in the semifinals tomorrow, while Olympic champion Spain will take on Hungary..
2025 Women’s World Cup Final, Quarterfinals
Netherlands – Japan 24:16 (6:5, 7:5, 5:4, 6:2)
Netherlands: Van den Kraats 3, Schaap 3, Rogge 3, Van der Sloot 2, Keuning 2, Sevenich 2, Joustra 2, Den Ouden 2, Ten Broek 1, Bosveld 1.
Japan: Arima 5, Ura 3, Kawaguchi 3, Shitara 1, Sunabe 1, Nishiyama 1, Kobayashi 1, Fukuda 1.
The Dutch maintained control throughout the match, despite Japan making a comeback on several occasions. The Netherlands opened the game with a 4:1 lead. However, the Asians leveled at 6:6 and 7:7 early in the second period. A 3:0 burst from 7:7 to 10:7 gave the Netherlands momentum. Still, Japan didn’t surrender. After trailing 8:12 late into the second period, Japan cut the margin to 14:16 deep into the third quarter. After that, the Netherlands regrouped and finished the match with an 8-goal victory.
Greece – Italy 19:14 (4:3, 8:6, 4:4, 3:1)
Greece:V.Plevritou 5, Myriokefalitaki 4, Giannopoulou 3, Xenaki 3, Tricha 1, Santa 1, Ninou 1, Siouti 1.
Italy: Bettini 4, Cocchiere 4, Gant 2, Giustini 2, Ranalli 1, Meggiato 1.
In a high-tempo game, Greece found a rhythm just before halftime and kept the distance in the second half. The teams were tied at 3:3, 4:4 and 5:5 in the first half. Greece scored two back-to-back goals and went to 8:6 in the middle of the second period. The Italians were able to equalize once again – 8:8, but the Greeks built a crucial 3-goal lead by halftime– 12:9. The Italians’ last effort to come back was a goal for 14:16 in the 29th minute. However, the Greeks made a 3:0 rush in the rest of the match.
Spain – China 15:8 (2:1, 4:2, 4:3, 5:2)
Spain: Leiton 4, Cresp 3, Ruiz 2, Piralkova 2, Ortiz 2, Camus 1, Perez 1.
China: Yan 4, Zhou 3, Zhang 1.
Spain started slowly and let China take a 1:0 lead, but the Olympic champions methodically dismantled China with a tight defense. After China’s opener, Spain produced a 4:0 run. The Chinese narrowed the gap to 3:4 with two quick goals. Spain responded with a new series of four goals, earned an 8:3 advantage, and never looked back.
Australia – Hungary 10:14 (2:1, 2:4, 3:5, 3:4)
Australia: A.Andrews 3, Williams 2, Jackovich 2, Fasala 1, C.Andrews 1, Hearn 1.
Hungary: Valyi 4, Rybanska 2, Garda 2, Hajdu 2, Domsodi 1, Sumegi 1, Peresztegi-Nagy 1, Leimeter 1
Hungary outpaced Australia with explosive second and third quarters. Australia had a slim lead at the first break. Greece netted three straight goals in the opening minutes of the second quarter to go ahead 4:2. The “Aussies” leveled at 4:4. Hungary rebuilt an advantage late into the second period. Hungary’s 4:0 run to start the third quarter and gain a 9:4 lead was a turning point. Australia didn’t give in and fight until the end. A minute and a half before the end, the Australians reduced the gap to 10:12. But Hungary sealed the victory with two goals in the last minute.
