Beerensteyn says bye to USA as Netherlands prepare for Spain in Women’s World Cup quarterfinals
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Netherlands forward Lineth Beerensteyn is happy to admit her first reaction on learning the United States had been knocked ou t of the Women’s World Cup was “bye!”
It was raw and spontaneous relief, coupled with a little schadenfreude. The joy over someone else’s demise was, perhaps, understandable.
The U.S. and Netherlands played out a tight 1-1 draw during the group stage in Wellington, where the Dutch will meet Spain on Friday in the quarterfinals. The group-stage match was a repeat of the 2019 final, when the United States beat Netherlands 2-0.
Beerensteyn played in that final, which in part may explain her relief that she won’t have to play the United States again at this tournament. The Americans lost in a penalty shootout to Sweden after their round-of-16 game ended in a draw after extra time.