Assuming it’s in a knockout/single-elimination format game, definitely good strategy. Of course, it depends on how much time remains; it’s a much better strategy with 15 minutes left in the match than, say, midway through the first half.
Did they collude? Look at it this way; both teams were in a position where scoring another goal would not be beneficial in any way, while trying to score a goal could open the team up to the opponents scoring a goal and knocking them out of the competition.
It was really both. The fact that they colluded and the way they colluded. Of course it was never officially concluded that they did, but it was also never really investigated. And the way they did it was by slowly passing the ball with short passes from teammate to teammate, with the other team only pretending to attack, starting from around the 30th minute until the end whistle. I watched it, it was painful and obvious. I remember the German TV commentator (I’m quite sure it was Eberhard Stanjek) telling the viewers “Please switch off. This isn’t worth watching.”
You’re describing collusion.
No. Collusion is when both teams agree with each other to do it. If, say, West Germany would have tried to go on the offensive late in the match, only for Austria to intercept and exploit the resulting opening in the defense to score a goal that it didn’t need to advance, but it knocked West Germany out of the tournament, (a) it would probably be on pretty much every “great coaching blunders” YouTube video, right up there with the Miracle at the Meadowlands, and (b) who knows how many Germans would have called for the coach’s job, if not his head, the next day?
Spain has outshot the Netherlands 11-0 in the first half and had a goal called back by VAR for offsides. They are dominating but haven’t yet scored.
Spain look to have at least one goal in them. I wonder if the Netherlands will be able to find an equaliser when/if the need arises. Spain looking good on defence also. The Dutch have their work cut out for them.
This phrasing always bugs me a tiny bit. Because there never was a goal to call back. There never was a score.
The announcer said Netherlands did not manage a shot on goal in the first half, but tuned in late.
Except offsides was not called by the sideline referee. The ball went into the net. It was a score until it was overturned by VAR.
Spain has one of the top players in the world on the bench too.
Just turned this on, but definitely look like it’s a matter of time.
As I type that Spain should have scored but for a heavy through ball.
Not a penalty for me, but doubt it gets overturned.
Wrong on that. Good on the ref.
Spain passing and playing way better. So much so I think it is a strategic failure they can’t seem to slow things down close to the Dutch goal, or get a good shot away. Go to the wing and get people in position.
The Dutch chance was not a penalty but it was pretty close. A Spanish player strongarmed the Dutch attacker just outside the box, and advantage applied, than a second player with no real chance to play the ball did the shoulder to shoulder thing from behind.
Definite handball also called correctly.
Spain up 1-0. I think that was technically an illegal PK? Seemed like the taker actually stopped twice vs just varying the speed of the approach.
Oh wow. Terrible vision or incredibly selfish? Dutch should be even.
Well, well. Game on! Great goal by the Dutch.
Nice Dutch equalizer.
That’s one of the best defensive interventions you’ll ever see.
2x reigning ballon d’or winner coming on.
Spain ahead through a teenager winger. I was thinking she missed a chance at a cross, but nice juke to create space and great finish.
Gotta say that in general my complaint about the women’s game is that the speed of play is low and there’s so much space. Neither is true in this game. Seeing quick passing, the defense getting tight and pressuring, etc. Nice game from a neutral perspective.
Solid game, fast play, good positioning. But the score should be like 5-1 for Spain, if they could put it in.