FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: Dutch, Swedes Make up the Last Four

Netherlands and Sweden are through to the last four after they defeated Italy and Germany respectively.

The European champions faced a strong Italian side, which saw the first half end goalless. The second half saw the Dutch side score two goals to qualify for their first semi-finals.

Sherida Spitse teed up Vivianne Miedema for a towering header before the she put another one on a plate for Stefanie van der Gragt to nod home. The Italians head home with their heads held high, but the Dutch Oranje invasion heads to Lyon for a historic maiden Women’s World Cup semi-final.

They will face Sweden, who defeated Germany 2-1, in the second semi-finals on Wednessday.

The Germans went in front in the 16^th minute through Lina Magull, but the Swedes rallied round to equalise through Sofia Jakobsson six minutes later.

Sofia Jakobsson’s strike was the first goal that Germany had conceded in the first half of a Women’s World Cup since the 2003 final against Sweden.

Stina Blackstenius scored the winner for the Swedes on the 48^th minute.