Women's Euro 2017: Netherlands 2-0 Sweden

Netherlands 2-0 Sweden
(Martens 33', Miedema 64')

The Netherlands kept their dream of a first European Championship alive after a solid first-half and one great counterattack in the second proved enough to see off Sweden.

Shanice van de Sanden looked dangerous down the right in the opening 10 minutes as Sweden struggled to cope with the combination of the Dutch attack and plenty of home supporters in Doetinchem.

Sherida Spitse fired a free kick over, before Sweden wanted a penalty after the ball sprang up against a Dutch hand - German referee Bibiana Steinhaus waved played on.

The hosts' pressure grew and Lieke Martens nearly curled in from the edge of the box - her shot going narrowly wide. The newly-signed Barcelona attacker didn't have to wait long though as she soon tucked in a free kick from the edge of the box, delighting the home crowd.

Having deservedly taken the lead, the Netherlands were perhaps fortunate to go in level as Sweden suddenly came to life. Stina Blackstenius worked hard to get the Swedes on terms, but couldn't break down the wall of orange.

Two minutes after the restart, Sweden were centimeters away from equalizing but Fridolina Rolfö poked her effort past the far post. Not long after, Blackstenius then fired over as Sweden threatened again. But the Dutch produced a brilliant counterattack with van de Sanden running into the space down the right before squaring for Vivianne Miedema to score her first goal of the tournament.

Sweden had a goal disallowed for offside and Blackstenius later missed a golden chance as the losers were left thinking what might have been.

The Netherlands will face either England or France in the semifinals on August 3.