Dutch hope Spain connections will give World Cup edge

Netherlands player Damaris Egurrola (c) could face her former team Spain in Friday's quarter-final. (AP PHOTO)

Whatever happens in their Women's World Cup quarter-final with Spain, the Netherlands consider themselves world champions.

"World champions of flying," coach Andries Jonker said in Wellington on Thursday, a day before their all-Euro meeting.

The Netherlands have endured a punishing schedule on their way to the last eight.

Basing themselves in Tauranga, they have caught return flights to the South Island city of Dunedin, twice, and to Wellington for their group games, before trans-Tasman travel for their round-of-16 date in Sydney.

"So many airports. So many hotels. So many pitches. So many flights," Jonker said.

Spain, in contrast, have had straightforward travel, even if they did cause a spat by leaving their Palmerston North base early due to boredom among their playing group.

They have played solely in Wellington and Auckland to date, and will return to the New Zealand capital for Friday's quarter-final.

On their last visit to Wellington's 'caketin', La Roja were humbled 4-0 by Japan when the European side's possession football was cut to shreds by counter-attacks.

Jonker said he saw "an outstanding Spain" despite the scoreline.

"They had the ball, they passed the ball, they controlled the game and they created chances," he said. "But football is a strange game."

Spain hold bragging rights over the Netherlands in recent fixtures, winning all three of their meetings over the last 15 years.

However, Jonker hopes he has an edge in former Spain international Damaris Egurrola, who switched allegiances to the Netherlands, representing them for the first time in April 2022.

"We have in our squad four players with a history in Spain," Jonker said.

"Merel van Dongen's been playing there for five years now. She knows everybody and everything.

"Stefanie van der Gragt played for two years for Barcelona. Lieke Martens played five years for Barcelona and of course Damaris Egurrola.

"We know everything about Spain, we have a small book about it, and I don't think they will surprise us."

Egurrola, a contender to fill the gap left by suspended midfielder Danielle van de Donk, was reported to have switched allegiances due to poor treatment by Spain coach Jorge Vilda.

Vilda has overseen huge turmoil during his stint in charge, with a mass player revolt threatening Spain's preparation for the tournament.

He downplayed any animosity in his pre-match press conference.

"I'm concentrating on my 23 players ... I would not change them for anyone," he said.

"The team is united. We have a group that competes and that are all fighting for the same objective. They are very motivated."

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