Spain vs. Netherlands Women's Olympic Preview
Spain vs Netherlands (W)
The women's tournament at these Olympics is well into group play and has already provided some thrilling matches and surprising performances. With the shape of the quarterfinals starting to solidify, one of the most compelling forthcoming games is the Group A contest between Spain and the Netherlands. The Spanish sit atop the group with two wins, and a win against the Dutch here is likely necessary heading into their decisive next game with an Australian squad that has its own designs on the top spot in the group for quarterfinals. On the Dutch side, they are looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to Australia in their first match. A win here would give them some footing in this tough group as they look forward to closing group play against Canada and South Africa; whereas, a loss would turn those games (especially against Canada) into must win games--and even then just to likely cross over with the formidable squad from the USA in the quarterfinals.
The Spanish squad features both the oldest and youngest players in the tournament. The veteran group is highlighted by captain Pili Pina and a returning group of ‘12 silver medalists that provide a potent attack from both center and the perimeter. Watch for the dynamic Elena Ruiz, the youngest player in the tournament at 16, to contribute to that attack as well.
The Dutch are led by Catharina van der Sloot, one of the best individual players in the world. She is supported in the attack by two young talents, Megens and van der Kraats, who bring dynamic scoring talents to a squad that isn’t heavy on Olympic experience. All three players (along with Koolhaas) contributed 2 goals in the loss to Australia.
Speaking of Megens, viewers who watch NCAA women’s water polo will recognize the recent USC senior among many familiar faces on both sides of the ball. On the Dutch side Genee (Hawaii), Joustra (Cal) and Keunig (Hawaii) also are products of American universities in addition to Megens. On the Spanish side, Gonzalez (Hawaii), Tarrago (Cal), Espar (USC), and Espar (SJSU) have all represented American universities.
The 2020 European Champions, Spain has a long history of water polo success on the women’s side. This includes medals at events as varied as World Championships, World Cups, World League, European Championships and Mediterranean Games dating as far back as 2008. At the Olympic Games, Spain first qualified in 2012 where they also saw their greatest success, losing to the USA in the gold medal game. A return to the podium is definitely the plan for this experienced Spanish side.
The Netherlands is one of the longest competing and most decorated water polo squads in women’s water polo history, but—much like Spain—the Dutch have found Olympic success to be fleeting while also enjoying success internationally outside the Games. Inconsistent results have plagued this squad in recent tournaments, but they have the potential to compete with the best in the world. This team will look to shake off the failure to qualify for the last two Olympics and replicate the magic of the 2008 Games where the Netherlands upset the USA for gold.
Written by, Breck Weiny