The Netherlands beat Brazil by a score of 31-24, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games.. Despite a promising start for the Brazilians, the solid defense and effective counter-attacking of the Europeans made the difference in the outcome of the match.
The first 15 minutes were the tightest, with a goal-to-goal dynamic between the two teams. But halfway through the first half, thanks to the counter-attack generated by the saves of goalkeeper Yara Ten Holte, the Netherlands took the lead, reaching a 5-goal advantage.
Per Johansson’s defense was one of the key points in the first half, limiting Brazil to a shooting efficiency of 50%. The first half ended 13-17 in favor of the Netherlands. 
The dominance of the Netherlands
Samara Vieira’s second-half equalizer cut the deficit to just three goals and raised hopes of a comeback for the Verdeamericanas. However, an early red card to Tamires Araujo threw the Brazilian team into disarray, allowing the Europeans to continue their dominance and take a 5-goal lead in the 25th minute.
In the final stretch, the Netherlands took advantage of the spaces in Brazil’s defense and showed a 60% efficiency, scoring 9 goals from 11 counterattacks.
The Netherlands has won its third consecutive victory, this time 31-24 against Brazil, which allows them to reach the quarterfinals.
Brazilian right back Gabriela Vitolo was the top scorer of the match with 7 goals, followed by Vo Ban Wetering of the Netherlands with 6 goals.
The last chance
With this result, Brazil is obliged to win its last match against Angola next Saturday, August 3 at 9:00 (BRA time) to have any chance of staying alive in Paris 2024. Photo credits: IHF By Camila Miranda Torres.
