Alabama in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Update Number Five
6/25/2019 5:03:00 PM | Soccer
Merel van Dongen and the Netherlands National Team secure their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup Quarterfinal berth
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Merel van Dongen (2012-14) and the Netherlands National Team took down Japan 2-1 to secure the last quarterfinals spot at the 2019 Women's World Cup at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France, on Tuesday.
Van Dongen earned her second consecutive start and logged 85 minutes in the Netherland's first-ever
advancement to the field of eight.
The Dutch struck first with a breakthrough in the 17th minute from Lieke Martens, but Yui Hasegawa leveled the score for Japan shortly before half-time. In the 90th minute the Netherlands were granted a last-minute penalty kick aided from a hand-ball, as Martens found the back of the net to make history.
Van Dongen and the Dutch will return to the field June 29 at 8 a.m. CT, to take on Italy in their maiden Women's World Cup Quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals Schedule
Thursday, June 27
Norway vs. England, 2 p.m. CT
Friday, June 28
France vs. United States, 2 p.m. CT
Saturday, June 29
Italy vs. Netherlands, 8 a.m. CT,
Germany vs. Sweden, 11:30 a.m. CT
For all the latest information on the team follow @AlabamaSoccer on Twitter, Instangram and Facebook. General Alabama Athletics news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
