Netherlands ease past Sweden into Euro semi-finals

Doetinchem (Netherlands) (AFP) – Lieke Martens and Vivianne Miedema handed hosts the Netherlands a 2-0 win over Sweden and a spot in the women’s Euro semi-finals on Saturday.

Euro semi-finalists from 2009, the Netherlands will face either England or France in Enschede on August 3.

A fresh Barcelona signing who spent last season with Rosengard in the Swedish league, Martens opened the scoring on 33 minutes with a low free-kick after Miedema had tripped over Jessica Samuelsson just outside the box.

Miedema added a second in the 64th minute after Shanice van de Sanden had found her in front of goal with a cross following a superb run down the right flank.

The Dutch pushed for a goal from the start, reducing Sweden to counter-attacking as they sought to extend their perfect record from the tournament so far.

Skipper Sherida Spitse fired over from a free-kick on 14 minutes and, moments later, Sweden keeper Hedvig Lindahl spilled the ball after a corner but Miedema failed to tame it for a shot.

On the other side, Sweden sweeper Nilla Fischer headed just over the bar from a corner on 25 minutes.

Sweden created two good chances just after half-time but Fridolina Rolfo slammed her left-footer past the post and Stina Blackstenius blasted over.

But the Dutch continued to dominate the game, with Spitse missing from outside the box and Miedema heading over and then sending her low shot wide.

Germany are due to take on Denmark in Saturday’s second quarter-final, while Austria will face Spain and England take on France on Sunday.