Sensational Dutch Comeback Forces Semi-Final Clash with Mexico at U-17 Women’s World Cup
The Netherlands will face Mexico in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™ after both sides prevailed in thrilling penalty shootouts. The Dutch staged one of the most stunning comebacks in this tournament’s history to eliminate France, while El Tri dug deep to edge out Italy in the later kick-off, with goalkeeper Valentina Murrieta their star performer.
The Dutch made history by scoring two stoppage-time goals and clinching a second successive shootout triumph, snatching victory after France had seemed certain winners.
Rochelity Dap and Ranneke Derks’ late, late efforts led to remarkable drama from 12 yards. Goalkeeper Maren Groothoff produced the match-winning moment in sudden death, saving Noemie Fatier’s attempt.
That crucial stop provided redemption for Groothoff, who had gifted France a first-half lead when she allowed Rachael Adedini’s tame header to bobble through her grasp.
Dramatic Turnaround in Dutch-French Thriller
France were well worth their initial advantage but lost momentum in the second half as the Dutch debutantes pushed for an equaliser.
Midway through the period, there was a moment of high drama when Liv Pennock raced in on goal. A heavy touch allowed France goalkeeper Lauryne Chevray to smother the ball. Things went from bad to worse for Pennock when she was initially shown a red card for catching the keeper on the head with a trailing boot.
The card was ultimately downgraded to a yellow after a VAR review, sparking renewed Dutch hope. That hope looked to have been extinguished again in the first minute of stoppage time when substitute Luna Luboucarie raced clear to slot home, extending France’s lead to 2-0.
The Netherlands, however, roared back to halve the deficit with seconds remaining, as Dap capitalised on some lax defending to fire home expertly. The lightning-quick Dap continued to cause problems in the frantic final moments, and another substitute, Ranneke Derks, volleyed home a brilliant equaliser in the 98th minute to force penalties.
The drama wasn’t over yet, as the Dutch surrendered a 3-0 lead in the shootout before ultimately prevailing in sudden death. Groothoff’s save from Fatier came after Sophie van Hunnik had coolly rolled home the decisive penalty.
Post-Match Reactions
Olivier Amelink, Netherlands coach:
“It’s unbelievable, I feel like I just aged 40 years. After the second goal of France, I don’t know what it is, but this team, they kept fighting, they never gave up. I’m really proud of the girls. Every time when everybody thinks it’s over, this group, they show something and they keep fighting, they work for each other, they believe. I don’t know what it is, but this is a very special team.”
Mickael Ferreira, France coach:
“Maybe there was an unconscious drop in intensity from the girls [after our second goal], because we were trying straight away to get them refocused and remind them that the game wasn’t over. But unfortunately, that goal right after [our second] created quite a bit of nervousness. We really needed to stay tight until the end, because at 2-1 anything can happen from a single moment. Unfortunately, that’s what happened, so there’s disappointment and frustration, given how the match unfolded.”
Ranneke Derks, Netherlands forward and Player of the Match:
“When I scored, I was just feeling so much, and that goal took us into the penalty shootout. Now we’re going to the semi-final and that’s the important thing for us.”
