Matildas’ big Olympic boosts as World Cup rivals crash out, won’t even be there
Matildas fans are dreaming of a maiden Olympic medal after two of their toughest rivals fell short of qualifying for next year’s Paris Olympics.
This week Germany and the Netherlands booked their places at Europe’s Women’s Nations League finals, where they will also fight for spots at the 2024 Olympics, but there was heartbreak for England who missed out despite beating Scotland 6-0 on Wednesday (AEDT).
The Germans drew 0-0 in Wales but secured their passage thanks to Iceland’s 1-0 win over Denmark.
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The Netherlands needed a 95th minute goal from Damaris Egurrola to see them to a 4-0 win over Belgium which meant they edged England on goal difference in Group A1 after the World Cup runners-up hammered the Scots in Glasgow.
The Dutch and the Germans will join France and world champions Spain in the semi-finals which take place in February.
The two finalists will qualify for the 2024 Olympics. If France, who are guaranteed a place as hosts of Paris 2024, reach the final, the team winning the third-place playoff will also progress.
England, who were hopeful of gaining an Olympic place for a Great Britain team which would have included their Scottish opponents, and the Netherlands went into the final round of games level on points but with the Dutch holding a two-goal advantage.
England quickly laid on the pressure, with Alex Greenwood and Beth Mead bracketing two goals in two minutes from Lauren James to give them a 4-0 halftime lead.
The Dutch, meanwhile, were only leading 1-0 through a 34th minute goal from Lineth Beerensteyn.
The English compounded their position when Fran Kirby added a fifth four
Read on foxsports.com.au
