Wednesday 08 August 2018, 16:22

Netherlands become first to qualify for quarter-finals with win over Ghana

Netherlands became the first team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 quarter-finals after earning a 4-0 win over Ghana, as they maintained their 100 per cent start in Group A.

While the West Africans started brightly, it did not take long for the Netherlands to get into gear. Two spurned chances could have rocked their confidence, but they did not have to dwell on them long, going ahead on 21 minutes.

Three goals in 11 minutes put them in complete control, with Aniek Nouwen’s downward header at the back post getting the debutants rolling on the back of their slender win over New Zealand.

Having netted in their opener, Fenna Kalma made no mistake when put through by Victoria Pelova, before converting with a superbly taken volley to see her move joint-top of the scoring charts.

The pace dropped after the break, with the Netherlands sitting comfortably, but Pelova and Kalma switched rolls, as the duo exchanged passes before the former stroked home to add some gloss to the Oranje's victory.

New Zealand's goalless draw against hosts France later in the day meant that the Netherlands became the first team to confirm their place in the knockout stages at France 2018, while the result confirmed that Ghana will be unable to qualify for the last eight.

“Dare To Shine” Player of the Match: Fenna Kalma (NED)