Romee Leuchter and Victoria Pelova come off the bench to help Netherlands score three times in final eight minutes at Bramall Lane; holders book last eight clash against France at Rotherham
Sunday 17 July 2022 23:54, UK
Romee Leuchter and Victoria Pelova saw the Netherlands into the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 after a thrilling 4-1 win over eliminated Switzerland at Bramall Lane.
With the scores level at 1-1 entering the final stages of the game, the Dutch duo scored three goals between them in a destructive final 10 minutes for Mark Parsons' side.
The result means Switzerland are out of the competition, while the Netherlands finish Group C as runners-up, meaning they will face France in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland were in control for the opening 10 minutes, moving forward well and Sandy Maendly had their first chance with a curling effort from outside the area that was destined for the top corner but Daphne van Domselaar made a brilliant save to tip the ball over the crossbar.
The Netherlands had a chance 20 minutes in when Lineth Beerensteyn broke forward quickly and her shot deflected off goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann but, despite the forward being brought down, a VAR check by the referee ruled no penalty would be awarded.
The Dutch came close again after a smart free-kick threaded through a crowd of players in the box, but Jackie Groenen's powerful effort was well held by Thalmann, while Switzerland continued to pose a threat, with Geraldine Reutler and Ramona Bachmann both coming close.
The Netherlands took the lead through an unfortunate own goal three minutes after the break when Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic was unable to clear a corner and instead nodded the ball into her own net.
Switzerland quickly responded with an equaliser four minutes later after Bachmann played Reutler through and she made no mistake tucking the ball into the bottom corner.
They continued to attack and nearly had a second when Coumba Sow had two excellent chances from close range, but Van Domselaar came to the rescue again to clear the danger.
Both teams continued to press hard for a decisive winner and substitutes Leuchter and Pelova caused havoc, scoring three goals in the final stages of the game.
Leuchter scored in the 84th minute with a looping header that caught Thalmann off guard, before Pelova poked home from close-range two minutes later, with the goal eventually being awarded after a lengthy VAR check.
Leuchter capped off a ruthless 10-minute spell for the Netherlands in added time, scoring her second after slotting home Pelova's initial scuffed shot deep into stoppage time.
Netherlands will take on France in the final quarter-final next Friday at the New York Stadium in Rotherham; kick-off at 8pm.
Keep up with all the latest from Euro 2022 across Sky Sports and Sky Sports News this summer.
Coverage will be anchored by Sky Sports WSL presenter Caroline Barker, alongside Jessica Creighton and Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett will give analysis throughout the tournament.
They will also be joined by experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan.
The pundits and presenters will work from the Sky Sports Women's Euro 2022 Mobile Presentation Bus, which will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country to the various stadiums where matches are being played.
In addition, Sky Sports' Essential Football Podcast will be rebranded for the tournament to Sky Sports Women's Euros Podcast from 21 June. Hosted by Charlotte Marsh and Anton Toloui, it will feature exclusive news and player interviews in addition to a strong programme line-up around the tournament.
Quarter-finals
Wednesday July 20
Quarter-final 1: England vs Spain - kick off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Thursday July 21
Quarter-final 2: Germany vs Austria - kick off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Friday July 22
Quarter-final 3: Sweden vs Runners-up Group D - kick off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
Quarter-final 4: France vs Netherlands - kick off 8pm, New York Stadium
Semi-finals
Tuesday July 26
Semi-final 1: Winners quarter-final 1 vs Winners quarter-final 3 - kick off 8pm, Bramall Lane
Wednesday July 27
Semi-final 2: Winners quarter-final 2 vs Winners quarter-final 4 - kick-off 8pm, Stadium MK
Final
Sunday July 31
Winners semi-final 1 vs Winners semi-final 2 - kick off 5pm, Wembley
